sluggerotoole--2020-05-10--Some thoughts about countries in the Middle East…

None of us are going to be travelling too far afield any time soon and , even when the lockdown eases , land , sea and air travel will be something to think differently about in more ways than one .
Our heads are in another place now and I suspect the prospect of holidaying abroad is the last thing on most folk ’ s priority list .
Having said that , foreign holidays have an importance and value of their own , not least of all to extend our understanding and knowledge of other cultures .
And when these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sense of exploration continues to prevail .
Because I have spent quite a lot time there , I wanted to share some thoughts about countries in the Middle East where I have held residence and would encourage the more curious of you to visit .
We can not help but have preconceived ideas – it ’ s what you call human nature and I was no less sceptical than anyone else before visiting any one of these destinations .
For , after all , those two words ‘ Middle East ’ - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head ?
Conflict .
Desert sands .
Kohl-eyed women dressed in black chadors perhaps .
We do tend to generalise .
You watch something on the television news or read in a newspaper article and for the most part , that ’ s it .
A picture has been painted that ’ s often quite tricky to erase unless there ’ s an opportunity to go and experience that place for ourselves .
As mentioned , I have been a frequent traveller to the Middle East and have spent some extended periods of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste of life in Iran , Bahrain , the United Arab Emirates and most recently Oman .
The common denominator between all of them is of course the oppressive summer heat ( albeit , there are parts of Iran with temperatures of 15oC in the Summer and -35oC in the winter ) !
But putting that aside , they are all very different in their geography , their demography and their various forms of hospitality .
As I have written about in a previous piece , Iran for example , wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be like and how I wish more people would take the plunge and discover its treasures for themselves .
It ’ s to my eternal embarrassment that when I first met my Iranian husband nearly forty years ago , I was not informed enough to know that Iran is actually not an Arab country , but Persian – a completely different race altogether and , who incidentally speak Farsi and not Arabic .
My own ignorance was diplomatically and deftly quashed over a period of time by my polite and longsuffering other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bahrain , that tiny archipelago of islands snuggled like a thumbprint into the Persian Gulf .
Who ’ d have thought to discover an International Formula One track in this tiny country – the vroom vroom vroom of the engines on a race day making your very blood roar before getting anywhere near the venue .
You could drive around Bahrain in a single day , passing on your way the miraculous Tree of Life – over four hundred years old and as green-leafed as an Irish summer , standing literally in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really certain how it survives .
Some might say that the most wondrous encounter of all is a first visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates , where the tallest building in the world , Burj Kalifa , spears its way into endless blue sky .
It took 22 million man-hours and 110,000 tons of concrete to build and it takes your breath away , but having stood on the observers ’ deck and having no head for heights , I ’ m not that keen to do it again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but even for a lay person the miscellany and ingenuity in the designs of the buildings is nothing short of mind blowing .
But I ’ ve saved perhaps the best for last ; the shy country that doesn ’ t seem to push itself forward , yet has a charm and beauty all its own – Oman .
I just love everything about it – the restricted heights of the buildings , the diversity and friendliness of the people , and the fact that the world and his wife offer me lifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who actually walks everywhere .
There is a real spirit of acceptance pervading across Omani life and no less so than during my visits to the mosques , none so beautiful as the Mohammed Al Ameen mosque in Muscat , my favourite , especially at night .
This is just a snapshot of a part of the world I have grown to appreciate and love over time .
And there will be a time again when we begin to think , albeit in a slightly different way , about exploring far-flung destinations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East will be one of them .

None of us are going to be travelling too far afield any time soon and, even when the lockdown eases, land, sea and air travel will be something to think differently about in more ways than one. Our heads are in another place now and I suspect the prospect of holidaying abroad is the last thing on most folk’s priority list. Having said that, foreign holidays have an importance and value of their own, not least of all to extend our understanding and knowledge of other cultures. And when these present challenges fade, I hope that that sense of exploration continues to prevail.
Because I have spent quite a lot time there, I wanted to share some thoughts about countries in the Middle East where I have held residence and would encourage the more curious of you to visit. We cannot help but have preconceived ideas – it’s what you call human nature and I was no less sceptical than anyone else before visiting any one of these destinations. For, after all, those two words ‘Middle East’- what do they conjure up in your head? Conflict. Desert sands. Kohl-eyed women dressed in black chadors perhaps. We do tend to generalise. You watch something on the television news or read in a newspaper article and for the most part, that’s it. A picture has been painted that’s often quite tricky to erase unless there’s an opportunity to go and experience that place for ourselves.
As mentioned, I have been a frequent traveller to the Middle East and have spent some extended periods of time living there, having savoured a taste of life in Iran, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and most recently Oman. The common denominator between all of them is of course the oppressive summer heat (albeit, there are parts of Iran with temperatures of 15oC in the Summer and -35oC in the winter)! But putting that aside, they are all very different in their geography, their demography and their various forms of hospitality. As I have written about in a previous piece, Iran for example, wasn’t one bit like what I thought it would be like and how I wish more people would take the plunge and discover its treasures for themselves. It’s to my eternal embarrassment that when I first met my Iranian husband nearly forty years ago, I was not informed enough to know that Iran is actually not an Arab country, but Persian – a completely different race altogether and, who incidentally speak Farsi and not Arabic. My own ignorance was diplomatically and deftly quashed over a period of time by my polite and longsuffering other half.
And then there’s Bahrain, that tiny archipelago of islands snuggled like a thumbprint into the Persian Gulf. Who’d have thought to discover an International Formula One track in this tiny country – the vroom vroom vroom of the engines on a race day making your very blood roar before getting anywhere near the venue. You could drive around Bahrain in a single day, passing on your way the miraculous Tree of Life – over four hundred years old and as green-leafed as an Irish summer, standing literally in the middle of the desert. No one is really certain how it survives.
Some might say that the most wondrous encounter of all is a first visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where the tallest building in the world, Burj Kalifa, spears its way into endless blue sky. It took 22 million man-hours and 110,000 tons of concrete to build and it takes your breath away, but having stood on the observers’ deck and having no head for heights, I’m not that keen to do it again. Dubai is an architect’s dream but even for a lay person the miscellany and ingenuity in the designs of the buildings is nothing short of mind blowing.
But I’ve saved perhaps the best for last; the shy country that doesn’t seem to push itself forward, yet has a charm and beauty all its own – Oman. I just love everything about it – the restricted heights of the buildings, the diversity and friendliness of the people, and the fact that the world and his wife offer me lifts because I’m the weird Irishwoman who actually walks everywhere. There is a real spirit of acceptance pervading across Omani life and no less so than during my visits to the mosques, none so beautiful as the Mohammed Al Ameen mosque in Muscat, my favourite, especially at night.
This is just a snapshot of a part of the world I have grown to appreciate and love over time. And there will be a time again when we begin to think, albeit in a slightly different way, about exploring far-flung destinations. I hope, for you, the Middle East will be one of them.


sluggerotoole--2020-05-10--A rescue mission for the cat and her kittens…

I ’ m getting into the habit of writing for Slugger and I ’ m enjoying that feeling of satisfaction in doing something meaningful .
Thanks for reading and for your comments on my pieces .
One of the benefits of writing here is the chance that conversations will spark off in the comment section below .
It ’ s very rewarding and entertaining to see what direction readers will take .
It has surprised me that the learning I ’ ve had from living mostly indoors would be something I could reach people with .
I was well in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about reflection and more about another subject close to my heart-daytime tv , when Tuesday happened and events took over .
You might see that piece in the future .
Practice your best surprised face for then .
One of my neighbours phoned me .
While we knew each other already we have got to know each other better during lockdown .
This lovely lady and her husband have been really helpful to me in storing some of my food in their huge freezer , which is a life saver when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a love of animals and have cats .
Our cats despise each other .
So far , so normal .
But you may recognise that slightly sinking feeling when you get a phone call from someone you usually keep in touch with via message .
B phoned me to tell me that another neighbour had spotted a cat who ’ d had kittens out on a lane near her house .
Thankfully this was on a day that I was managing to stay upright and my daughter and I grabbed a large cardboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house and together/apart went the short distance to where the cat was .
The large , gorgeous black cat was keeping 4 squirmy , squeaky kittens safe and warm under her body .
The cat was growling and hissing at us if we went near her , but B had the foresight to bring some dry cat food with her .
As it turns out the cat was very hungry .
Picture the scene , while maintaining social distancing we had to try and gather the growling cat plus kittens without shedding any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have some experience with potentially violent cats .
Before you pshaw at me about bleeding I am sure there are other cat owners and vets who would back me up in how scary a big , strong-looking cat can be .
My experience lies in owning a cat a who could possibly have held the title of the most vicious cat award .
Oscar was HUGE , strong and took a dislike to me after many years as he figured I was the one who took him to the vet , refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collar on and the one who gave him any medication he needed .
It ’ s obvious to any self-respecting cat that I ’ m the baddie and must be attacked on a daily basis .
It got to the stage where my brother had to lend me his heavy duty long gloves , the ones used for cleaning out wood stoves .
I bled daily .
I ’ m sure there are some amongst you scratching your heads wondering why we kept him if he was so vicious .
He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he was our dose .
He was fine around the kids and even outside if kids were about he would roll over on his back , exposing his belly to be rubbed .
I would gasp in horror as I anticipated the gory blood fest which would follow but he bloody let them pet him .
Like , ya know , he was in fact a pussycat .
After a while and much discussion we decided B would get her cat carrier and we would bring them to shelter in my garage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easy , the mum was a different challenge .
Using my Oscar experience I got her in to the carrier very quickly and I thankfully remained unscathed .
In all my years of being a cat owner I ’ ve never had to deal with new born kittens .
I have to be honest and say I loved having them to care for , even only for the short time they were with us .
My current cat however was a bit perplexed and wanted in to see what was happening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for obvious reasons .
My brother volunteers at a local animal shelter and they kindly agreed to take them .
Then came the emotional rollercoaster of saying goodbye to them coupled with trying to find their owner .
I shared the photos on FB and someone came forward as a potential owner .
They had a similar black cat stolen a few weeks ago who was also pregnant .
I had high hopes until the shelter confirmed the rescue cat was chipped .
The stolen cat wasn ’ t chipped .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further forward but at the same time hopeful that our cat mum would be reunited with her owner .
At time of writing all I know is that the vets have been contacted and the animal shelter are trying to contact the owner .
While we felt useful in giving the cat and her kittens some much needed food and shelter , I cant stop wondering why , in this day and age , people don ’ t neuter and chip their cats ?
We can ’ t prevent theft , but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot easier with an earlier trip to the vet .
I don ’ t work , am on benefits and getting our new cat from Cats Protection cost £50 .
That ’ s a lot of money to me , but when I counted up what I was getting , it was a bargain .
Our cat would be neutered , get a health check , two vaccinations and a month ’ s pet insurance .
Oscar died a couple of years ago and my kids were just heartbroken .
To my complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
After a year of the house being devoid of the heartbeat of a pet we succumbed and got Lexie from Cats Protection .
She is diminutive , gentle , easily spooked and she quickly established herself as The Queen of the house- I am employed as her full-time door operative .
We are convinced that she sees herself as a small furry human .
She loves having everyone at home and loves company .
We ’ re crazy about her .

I’m getting into the habit of writing for Slugger and I’m enjoying that feeling of satisfaction in doing something meaningful. Thanks for reading and for your comments on my pieces. One of the benefits of writing here is the chance that conversations will spark off in the comment section below. It’s very rewarding and entertaining to see what direction readers will take. It has surprised me that the learning I’ve had from living mostly indoors would be something I could reach people with.
I was well in to writing my next piece, less about reflection and more about another subject close to my heart-daytime tv, when Tuesday happened and events took over. You might see that piece in the future. Practice your best surprised face for then.
One of my neighbours phoned me. While we knew each other already we have got to know each other better during lockdown. This lovely lady and her husband have been really helpful to me in storing some of my food in their huge freezer, which is a life saver when you have teenagers at home. We also share a love of animals and have cats. Our cats despise each other. So far, so normal. But you may recognise that slightly sinking feeling when you get a phone call from someone you usually keep in touch with via message.
B phoned me to tell me that another neighbour had spotted a cat who’d had kittens out on a lane near her house. Thankfully this was on a day that I was managing to stay upright and my daughter and I grabbed a large cardboard box, called at B’s house and together/apart went the short distance to where the cat was. The large, gorgeous black cat was keeping 4 squirmy, squeaky kittens safe and warm under her body. The cat was growling and hissing at us if we went near her, but B had the foresight to bring some dry cat food with her. As it turns out the cat was very hungry. Picture the scene, while maintaining social distancing we had to try and gather the growling cat plus kittens without shedding any of our own blood. Luckily I have some experience with potentially violent cats. Before you pshaw at me about bleeding I am sure there are other cat owners and vets who would back me up in how scary a big, strong-looking cat can be. My experience lies in owning a cat a who could possibly have held the title of the most vicious cat award. Oscar was HUGE, strong and took a dislike to me after many years as he figured I was the one who took him to the vet, refused to let him outside when he had a collar on and the one who gave him any medication he needed. It’s obvious to any self-respecting cat that I’m the baddie and must be attacked on a daily basis.
It got to the stage where my brother had to lend me his heavy duty long gloves, the ones used for cleaning out wood stoves. I bled daily. I’m sure there are some amongst you scratching your heads wondering why we kept him if he was so vicious. He was a bloody nuisance and a complete dose, but he was our dose. He was fine around the kids and even outside if kids were about he would roll over on his back, exposing his belly to be rubbed. I would gasp in horror as I anticipated the gory blood fest which would follow but he bloody let them pet him. Like, ya know, he was in fact a pussycat.
After a while and much discussion we decided B would get her cat carrier and we would bring them to shelter in my garage. While moving the kittens proved to be easy, the mum was a different challenge. Using my Oscar experience I got her in to the carrier very quickly and I thankfully remained unscathed.
In all my years of being a cat owner I’ve never had to deal with new born kittens. I have to be honest and say I loved having them to care for, even only for the short time they were with us. My current cat however was a bit perplexed and wanted in to see what was happening. We didn’t let her, for obvious reasons. My brother volunteers at a local animal shelter and they kindly agreed to take them.
Then came the emotional rollercoaster of saying goodbye to them coupled with trying to find their owner. I shared the photos on FB and someone came forward as a potential owner. They had a similar black cat stolen a few weeks ago who was also pregnant. I had high hopes until the shelter confirmed the rescue cat was chipped. The stolen cat wasn’t chipped. I was heartbroken for the woman who was no further forward but at the same time hopeful that our cat mum would be reunited with her owner. At time of writing all I know is that the vets have been contacted and the animal shelter are trying to contact the owner.
While we felt useful in giving the cat and her kittens some much needed food and shelter, I cant stop wondering why, in this day and age, people don’t neuter and chip their cats? We can’t prevent theft, but this situation could have been made a whole lot easier with an earlier trip to the vet. I don’t work, am on benefits and getting our new cat from Cats Protection cost £50. That’s a lot of money to me, but when I counted up what I was getting, it was a bargain. Our cat would be neutered, get a health check, two vaccinations and a month’s pet insurance.
Oscar died a couple of years ago and my kids were just heartbroken. To my complete surprise so was I. Weird, huh? After a year of the house being devoid of the heartbeat of a pet we succumbed and got Lexie from Cats Protection. She is diminutive, gentle, easily spooked and she quickly established herself as The Queen of the house- I am employed as her full-time door operative. We are convinced that she sees herself as a small furry human. She loves having everyone at home and loves company. We’re crazy about her.


sluggerotoole--2020-05-10--The beekeeper in lockdown gets a new outfit…

My new bee suit arrived at the weekend .
Ordered in a pre-Covid world , it still got caught up in the pandemic and has taken nearly eight weeks to get here .
Until now , I ’ ve been squeezing into an inherited child-size suit .
My new one is ‘ lilac ’ though I ’ d say it ’ s closer to pink than its purple cousin .
It ’ s the same shade as the Cherry Blossoms that are blooming everywhere .
I ’ m delighted – no more straining into a too small suit , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My thirteen-year-old tells me I look ‘ ridiculous.
’ He ’ s spent lockdown growing .
He must have shot up two inches since the world shut down .
Happy to loaf about all day in his PJ ’ s , his lockdown has been a breeze .
He ’ s made a gesture at schoolwork , but I know it ’ s been an imitation to keep me quiet .
I feel sorry for him cooped up with people who , ‘ just don ’ t get it.
’ He sees the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from another of his daily teenage diatribes , “ It ’ s fun Mum .
It suits you.
” He indulges me with a smile and walks away .
I savour the glimpse of a boy I used to know , underneath all those teenage hormones he ’ s still in there .
It ’ s coming into the busiest beekeeping months ; from now on hives should be checked every week .
Our eight-year-old joins us ; he wears my old suit , that had been his brother ’ s and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good help with the smoker and knows his way around a hive as well as I do .
We take off the super and lay it carefully on the grass so we can get to the brood box below and check for queen cups .
On my last inspection I ’ d put on a queen excluder – it ’ s a grid that allows worker bees to pass through but prevents the larger queen from leaving the brood box .
A bee version of a cattle grid .
If the queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box , it ’ s supposed to make it easier to find her but unfortunately we fail to spot her , nonetheless .
Checking the bees together is a welcome distraction , it takes us away from the monotony of this lockdown life .
It ’ s like going to the moon , without the need for a rocket .
Studying the bees puts everything into perspective ; nature is so much bigger and better than the human race could ever hope to be .
A hive inspection requires concentration .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swarming and mite infestations .
If something ’ s missed , next time the hive is opened it could be too late .
Domestic squabbles are forgotten and irritations melt away as we bow our heads over the hive to gaze in wonder at a hidden world .
A hive tool is a metal bar with a hook at one end and a sharp straight edge at the other .
It ’ s a decent weapon in the hands of an eight-year-old .
He deftly uses it to loosen the edges of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s no other wild livestock that can be kept in a suburban garden and monitored by children and adults alike .
The frames in the brood box are full of sealed brood – exactly what I need to see at this time of year .
The queen should be coming into her peak laying period of close to two thousand eggs a day .
We might not have seen her but my queen is laying like a pro !
The bees were quiet again and didn ’ t make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lockdown weather has given the bees the best spring I can remember for years – certainly since we ’ ve had the hives .
I remind myself that the season is long and try not to jar my honey before it ’ s here !
It ’ s early evening when we finish .
My helper has discarded his suit on the floor and my husband has gone to light the BBQ .
I enjoy being alone with the bees ; maybe it ’ s a symptom of lockdown , maybe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiet ; most of the foragers having returned for the day .
I knelt down in the comfort and safety of my new suit and watched the activity at the hive entrance .
I recognised the guard bees checking each forager before they ’ re allowed to enter .
The queen ’ s pheromones dominate the colony and every bee that belongs to it .
I watch each worker bee as she returns to the hive ; wings shimmering , as she hovers in the air for several seconds judging her landing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loose like landing wheels .
Full pollen baskets on her back legs bulging like yellow-orange biceps , her body covered in the finest fur like a mint leaf .
In the peak of spring and summer a bee can make up to twelve foraging flights a day , each one up to three miles away .
Their wings move back to front and front to back , rotating in the air creating the vortices that make it possible for them to fly .
They beat two hundred and thirty times a second ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buzz sound effect .
Thirty-six miles a day on something as thin as cobweb .
One in every three bites of food we take rely on these tiny appendages and the flights of their owner .
A bee wing is one of the most improbable truths on earth .
Like love .
The tulips are nearly gone .
I ’ ll miss their bright heads dotted around the garden .
I ’ m going to plant more for next year .
The weekend papers are full of ninety-nine-year-old Captain Tom Moore who walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised millions for the NHS .
A feel-good story the papers and the public cling to like pollen on bee fur .
We finished our day with a BBQ and ate outside .
What will we do when the weather returns to ‘ normal ?
’ Will we recognise ‘ normal ’ if it ever returns ?
The weather has turned colder .
Spring freshness nips at extremities .
After lunch I go have a look at the hive .
I ’ m surprised to see any activity .
There must be about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m sure they ’ re heading off in a different direction , perhaps there ’ s a nectar flow or pollen nearby that ’ s closer in colder climes ; a convenient corner shop .
I messaged a beekeeper friend to check if I should put insulation back in , but he assured me my colony is strong enough now to withstand any downturn in weather .
He reiterated that I must do weekly checks for swarming and keep an eye on varroa levels .
The thought of my bees swarming is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose them now .
They ’ ve become my Covid crutch .
The next day it rains at last .
Five weeks with nothing and now it ’ s typical April showers .
The rain is needed , but it means no bees .
After home-school and lunch I go check them anyway – it ’ s become my routine .
I put on a coat and carry my coffee in a cup .
It ’ s a dry spell between the showers and the hives are sitting in a small pool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at how many bees are outside .
I stay well back ; they won ’ t like the smell of my coffee .
They zig and zag .
It ’ s always a relief to see them .
Dark clouds are gathering , there ’ ll be more rain soon , but for now , my bees are taking full advantage of the sunshine moments .
And so , do I. I ’ m like a mother on the side-lines of a big match game ; silently cheering .
It only takes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to face the remainder of the day .
My bees , my magic medicine .

27th April 2020
My new bee suit arrived at the weekend. Ordered in a pre-Covid world, it still got caught up in the pandemic and has taken nearly eight weeks to get here. Until now, I’ve been squeezing into an inherited child-size suit. My new one is ‘lilac’ though I’d say it’s closer to pink than its purple cousin. It’s the same shade as the Cherry Blossoms that are blooming everywhere. I’m delighted – no more straining into a too small suit, no more wedgies when I bend down! My thirteen-year-old tells me I look ‘ridiculous.’ He’s spent lockdown growing. He must have shot up two inches since the world shut down. Happy to loaf about all day in his PJ’s, his lockdown has been a breeze. He’s made a gesture at schoolwork, but I know it’s been an imitation to keep me quiet. I feel sorry for him cooped up with people who, ‘just don’t get it.’ He sees the slump of my shoulders as I wilt from another of his daily teenage diatribes,
“It’s fun Mum. It suits you.” He indulges me with a smile and walks away. I savour the glimpse of a boy I used to know, underneath all those teenage hormones he’s still in there.
It’s coming into the busiest beekeeping months; from now on hives should be checked every week. Our eight-year-old joins us; he wears my old suit, that had been his brother’s and is now his. He’s always a good help with the smoker and knows his way around a hive as well as I do. We take off the super and lay it carefully on the grass so we can get to the brood box below and check for queen cups. On my last inspection I’d put on a queen excluder – it’s a grid that allows worker bees to pass through but prevents the larger queen from leaving the brood box. A bee version of a cattle grid. If the queen is forced to stay in the brood box, it’s supposed to make it easier to find her but unfortunately we fail to spot her, nonetheless. Checking the bees together is a welcome distraction, it takes us away from the monotony of this lockdown life. It’s like going to the moon, without the need for a rocket. Studying the bees puts everything into perspective; nature is so much bigger and better than the human race could ever hope to be. A hive inspection requires concentration. It’s important to look for signs of swarming and mite infestations. If something’s missed, next time the hive is opened it could be too late. Domestic squabbles are forgotten and irritations melt away as we bow our heads over the hive to gaze in wonder at a hidden world.
A hive tool is a metal bar with a hook at one end and a sharp straight edge at the other. It’s a decent weapon in the hands of an eight-year-old. He deftly uses it to loosen the edges of the frames from the side of the hive. There’s no other wild livestock that can be kept in a suburban garden and monitored by children and adults alike. The frames in the brood box are full of sealed brood – exactly what I need to see at this time of year. The queen should be coming into her peak laying period of close to two thousand eggs a day. We might not have seen her but my queen is laying like a pro!
The bees were quiet again and didn’t make a fuss about us poking around them. The lockdown weather has given the bees the best spring I can remember for years – certainly since we’ve had the hives. I remind myself that the season is long and try not to jar my honey before it’s here!
It’s early evening when we finish. My helper has discarded his suit on the floor and my husband has gone to light the BBQ. I enjoy being alone with the bees; maybe it’s a symptom of lockdown, maybe it’s not. The hive was quiet; most of the foragers having returned for the day. I knelt down in the comfort and safety of my new suit and watched the activity at the hive entrance. I recognised the guard bees checking each forager before they’re allowed to enter. The queen’s pheromones dominate the colony and every bee that belongs to it. I watch each worker bee as she returns to the hive; wings shimmering, as she hovers in the air for several seconds judging her landing, her dense jellybean body with legs dangling loose like landing wheels. Full pollen baskets on her back legs bulging like yellow-orange biceps, her body covered in the finest fur like a mint leaf. In the peak of spring and summer a bee can make up to twelve foraging flights a day, each one up to three miles away. Their wings move back to front and front to back, rotating in the air creating the vortices that make it possible for them to fly. They beat two hundred and thirty times a second; it’s what makes the famous buzz sound effect. Thirty-six miles a day on something as thin as cobweb. One in every three bites of food we take rely on these tiny appendages and the flights of their owner.
I think:
A bee wing is one of the most improbable truths on earth. Like love.
The tulips are nearly gone. I’ll miss their bright heads dotted around the garden. I’m going to plant more for next year. The weekend papers are full of ninety-nine-year-old Captain Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden and has raised millions for the NHS. A feel-good story the papers and the public cling to like pollen on bee fur. We finished our day with a BBQ and ate outside. What will we do when the weather returns to ‘normal?’ Will we recognise ‘normal’ if it ever returns?
30th April 2020
The weather has turned colder. Spring freshness nips at extremities. After lunch I go have a look at the hive. I’m surprised to see any activity. There must be about twenty bees braving the weather. I’m sure they’re heading off in a different direction, perhaps there’s a nectar flow or pollen nearby that’s closer in colder climes; a convenient corner shop. I messaged a beekeeper friend to check if I should put insulation back in, but he assured me my colony is strong enough now to withstand any downturn in weather. He reiterated that I must do weekly checks for swarming and keep an eye on varroa levels. The thought of my bees swarming is alarming. I couldn’t bear to lose them now. They’ve become my Covid crutch.
The next day it rains at last. Five weeks with nothing and now it’s typical April showers. The rain is needed, but it means no bees. After home-school and lunch I go check them anyway – it’s become my routine. I put on a coat and carry my coffee in a cup. It’s a dry spell between the showers and the hives are sitting in a small pool of sunshine. I’m amazed at how many bees are outside. I stay well back; they won’t like the smell of my coffee. They zig and zag. It’s always a relief to see them. Dark clouds are gathering, there’ll be more rain soon, but for now, my bees are taking full advantage of the sunshine moments. And so, do I. I’m like a mother on the side-lines of a big match game; silently cheering. It only takes a few minutes before I feel reset, ready to face the remainder of the day. My bees, my magic medicine.


sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--Book launch: Paul Gosling’s “A New Ireland – A New Union: A New Society”

Slugger O ’ Toole is delighted to be hosting the online book launch of Paul Gosling ’ s new edition of A New Ireland – A New Union : A New Society .
David McCann was joined by the author as well as political commentator Sarah Creighton to discuss some of the issues raised in the two-hundred-page title .
In this updated book , the financial journalist and economic commentator tackles some of the debates around Northern Ireland ’ s constitutional future – an all island economy , rejoining the European Union and healthcare – and sets out a ten-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be achieved .
Whilst taking a pro-unification view , the book does hear from pro-Union voices , with nuanced and interesting insights contributions from independent MLA Claire Sugden and former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt .
But the candid remarks by DUP MLA Mervyn Storey perhaps provide the most surprising external view “ We ( in the DUP ) don ’ t know who is in charge of Sinn Féin ” explained the formed Executive Minister and North Antrim MLA .
Storey went on to talk about Northern Irish society , saying : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against a single Irish jurisdiction – but I would have to accept it if there was a vote and that was the outcome .
Unionists must not think that day could not come .
There has to an honest discussion around the benefits or disadvantages of being in the UK or a united Ireland .
The [ author ’ s ] reports , along with others , can inform a discussion .
There is a lesson from what is happening in the Republic for everyone , including in unionism.
” Points picked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Paul Gosling .
This second edition of A New Ireland has a focus on Brexit and its impacts on the island of Ireland .
There is mention of the British government ’ s subvention to Northern Ireland and of course some thoughts about the impact of COVID-19 .
Whether you agree or disagree with the entire prospect of a debate on our constitutional future , it ‘ s certainly an interesting read which adds some dimensions to the discussion of this issue .
A New Ireland ( second edition ) will shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acorns Bookstore ( Derry ) , Alan Hanna ’ s Bookshop ( Dublin ) and Amazon .
And it can be downloaded from the author ’ s website .

Slugger O’Toole is delighted to be hosting the online book launch of Paul Gosling’s new edition of A New Ireland – A New Union: A New Society. David McCann was joined by the author as well as political commentator Sarah Creighton to discuss some of the issues raised in the two-hundred-page title.
In this updated book, the financial journalist and economic commentator tackles some of the debates around Northern Ireland’s constitutional future – an all island economy, rejoining the European Union and healthcare – and sets out a ten-year plan for how a New Ireland can be achieved.
Whilst taking a pro-unification view, the book does hear from pro-Union voices, with nuanced and interesting insights contributions from independent MLA Claire Sugden and former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt. But the candid remarks by DUP MLA Mervyn Storey perhaps provide the most surprising external view
“We (in the DUP) don’t know who is in charge of Sinn Féin” explained the formed Executive Minister and North Antrim MLA. Storey went on to talk about Northern Irish society, saying:
“There will be change … I am against a single Irish jurisdiction – but I would have to accept it if there was a vote and that was the outcome. Unionists must not think that day could not come. There has to an honest discussion around the benefits or disadvantages of being in the UK or a united Ireland. The [author’s] reports, along with others, can inform a discussion. There is a lesson from what is happening in the Republic for everyone, including in unionism.”
Points picked up in the video discussion between Sarah Creighton and Paul Gosling.
This second edition of A New Ireland has a focus on Brexit and its impacts on the island of Ireland. There is mention of the British government’s subvention to Northern Ireland and of course some thoughts about the impact of COVID-19.
Whether you agree or disagree with the entire prospect of a debate on our constitutional future, it‘s certainly an interesting read which adds some dimensions to the discussion of this issue.
A New Ireland (second edition) will shortly be available to purchase online from Little Acorns Bookstore (Derry), Alan Hanna’s Bookshop (Dublin) and Amazon. And it can be downloaded from the author’s website.


sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--Baking in lock down, a welcome distraction…

I am not a domestic goddess .
I have spent a large part of my life taking the handy way out of providing food for my family .
I can cook and do a delicious Sunday roast , but I would never attempt to compete on Masterchef .
Anyway , I like to do my bit to keep unemployment down and eat out when I can .
My neighbour , on the other hand , is very much into home cooking , and baking in particular .
I nicknamed her the Scone Fairy as many years ago when I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
I would arrive home from a long day in school , facing an even longer night at home , and there would be a little bag of scones hanging on my door knocker .
It always made me smile because it meant she was thinking of me and had left me something to cheer me up .
It worked .
I am pretty good at pastry and my rhubarb , and apple and blackberry tarts are always in demand on family occasions .
My husband has been heard to complain when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had just baked a tart and they scoffed the lot .
Scones , however , were not something I had ever attempted , probably because of hazy memories of disasters in Domestic Science ( as it was then ) in school , rock buns I seem to recall !
!
Then came the pandemic , I knew that we were heading for lockdown and homemade bread could be a necessity , so I stocked up on flour and buttermilk and started looking up recipes .
I tried a recipe for scones from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were alright , I knew something was missing so I messaged the Scone Fairy for help .
I could have given her a heart attack !
She very kindly passed on her recipe , which had probably been handed down from her mother , and I started baking .
The first batch were good , but not up to the standard I wanted and I persevered .
I found myself really enjoying it , each mixture produces about 18 scones , far too many for two people , so I became a Scone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My Aunt is 87 and lives alone so once a week I take her out a supply for the freezer and chat to her through the patio door .
It cheers her up and it cheers me up too .
I have several divorced or widowed friends living alone nearby and I left a few for each on their door knocker and they loved it .
I now make wheaten and soda bread with sultanas in it and both have proved to be hits , though the aunt thinks my sisters wheaten is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered that baking is as good as a therapy session with a good psychologist .
I work away at my own pace , the radio burbling away in the background and I am “ going back to find a simpler place and time , ” as the song says .
Inner peace and an end product .
What ’ s not to like ?
You too could become a Scone Fairy ( or Elf , for you macho guys ) and for very little money , and a bit of time , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and make someone ’ s day .
• 1oz/285g of butter rubbed into the flour and sugar • Roughly 1/2 a pint of buttermilk with a medium egg beaten into it .
Add the liquid until all the dry ingredients are combined and turn out unto a well-floured board , shape with your hands into a circle and flatten down to about 3/4 of an inch .
If you have no cutter a small glass will do .
You may have to add more flour if the mixture is too wet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not rise properly .
Put in the oven a 200 c and bake for 12 to 13 minutes .
Every oven is different .
You can of course add your own touch , cherries , or sultanas are great .
Then take them out of the oven , allow to cool , make your coffee , spread with real butter and strawberry jam , enjoy and don ’ t forget your friends !
Photo by jamstraightuk is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

I am not a domestic goddess. I have spent a large part of my life taking the handy way out of providing food for my family. I can cook and do a delicious Sunday roast, but I would never attempt to compete on Masterchef. Anyway, I like to do my bit to keep unemployment down and eat out when I can.
My neighbour, on the other hand, is very much into home cooking, and baking in particular. I nicknamed her the Scone Fairy as many years ago when I was having a very tough time in my life. I would arrive home from a long day in school, facing an even longer night at home, and there would be a little bag of scones hanging on my door knocker. It always made me smile because it meant she was thinking of me and had left me something to cheer me up. It worked. I am pretty good at pastry and my rhubarb, and apple and blackberry tarts are always in demand on family occasions. My husband has been heard to complain when friends arrived on a Sunday, and I had just baked a tart and they scoffed the lot. Scones, however, were not something I had ever attempted, probably because of hazy memories of disasters in Domestic Science (as it was then) in school, rock buns I seem to recall!!
Then came the pandemic, I knew that we were heading for lockdown and homemade bread could be a necessity, so I stocked up on flour and buttermilk and started looking up recipes. I tried a recipe for scones from a cookery book, and while they were alright, I knew something was missing so I messaged the Scone Fairy for help. I could have given her a heart attack! She very kindly passed on her recipe,which had probably been handed down from her mother, and I started baking. The first batch were good, but not up to the standard I wanted and I persevered.
I found myself really enjoying it, each mixture produces about 18 scones, far too many for two people, so I became a Scone Fairy and started giving them away. My Aunt is 87 and lives alone so once a week I take her out a supply for the freezer and chat to her through the patio door. It cheers her up and it cheers me up too. I have several divorced or widowed friends living alone nearby and I left a few for each on their door knocker and they loved it. I now make wheaten and soda bread with sultanas in it and both have proved to be hits, though the aunt thinks my sisters wheaten is better than mine!! I have discovered that baking is as good as a therapy session with a good psychologist. I work away at my own pace, the radio burbling away in the background and I am “going back to find a simpler place and time,” as the song says. Inner peace and an end product. What’s not to like?
You too could become a Scone Fairy (or Elf, for you macho guys) and for very little money, and a bit of time, of which there is no shortage right now, and make someone’s day.
Scone Fairy Recipe
1lb/450g of Soda bread flour
2ozs/570g of caster sugar
1oz/285g of butter rubbed into the flour and sugar
Roughly 1/2 a pint of buttermilk with a medium egg beaten into it.
Add the liquid until all the dry ingredients are combined and turn out unto a well-floured board, shape with your hands into a circle and flatten down to about 3/4 of an inch. If you have no cutter a small glass will do. You may have to add more flour if the mixture is too wet, if it is too wet they may not rise properly.
Put in the oven a 200 c and bake for 12 to 13 minutes. Every oven is different.
You can of course add your own touch, cherries, or sultanas are great.
Then take them out of the oven, allow to cool, make your coffee, spread with real
butter and strawberry jam, enjoy and don’t forget your friends!
Photo by jamstraightuk is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--Not waving but drowning – The need to reduce inequality…

How was your lockdown ?
Bored by now ?
I feel life coming back : restaurants getting cleaned , outdoor tables appearing at cafes , more traffic on roads and a general spirit of giddy optimism rising again .
We said we would get through it and we have and even before Buoyant Boris announced it , we were making small , tentative baby-steps into a new future as we test our ability to survive in a World with Covid .
But we are not returning to from where we came ; we are carefully climbing out through an opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As we locked down I found that most people were just decent and good .
What quickly became clear was a genuine collective caring .
People acted more kindly ; strangers greeted in the street , we had extended conversations with deeply felt thanks for those who helped and overall children were better behaved or perhaps just seemed so .
Yet , for the most deprived and marginalised , they tragically remained fixated on themselves and we judged them while we remained unwilling to understand .
A week into lockdown my attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one of our ex-patients being apprehended by security at a local superstore .
Naked to the waist he reminded me of a bull-calf charging pointlessly .
He rammed the entrance head-first only to be repelled by the burly indifferent employees .
He then , after a tirade of innovative expletives , hurled a metal stand , in place to direct social-distancing , but this merely bounced off the door frame .
I was impressed by his determination as I was staff patience .
He had attempted to steal vodka before being ejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and incapacitation .
This was day six of a bender that started before St Patrick ’ s Day and possibly inspired by the threat of a prolonged lock-down .
Police , the night before , had raided his flat where 20 had been partying and confiscated alcohol and a complete sound system that risked structural damage to the building .
When , at the end of the video , I saw police arrive , and knowing something of his probation terms , I knew it would be some time until we saw him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methadone patient , one who frequently complained about the inconvenience of attending for daily supervised consumption , casually asked what would happen if she was forced to self-isolate .
Updated service guidance meant if self-isolating methadone would be delivered to her home .
Next day she was self-isolating .
On her return to the rigours of daily consumption , she told me in isolation she had enjoyed herself ; went to lots of parties , had a new hairstyle , got a new boyfriend , who she firmly believed was the one and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two days she was lost to the system .
Only two examples from a challenging cohort .
They rattle and frustrate us with their behaviours as they splash about drowning in the deep-middle of the social inequality lake , another generation so abused by a system that seemed forever sustainable , irreparable and unchangeable .
To save them , a few throw out poorly designed life-buoys but most just watch judgementally blaming them for getting themselves too far out of their depth .
Once in the lake you realise it is full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you struggle you gravitate down towards the deep-middle .
We all say in public we hope for a fairer society but each step towards fairness is aggressively resisted ; progress was held back in the greedy 1980s and again the 2008 financial meltdown resulted in austerity that asset stripped to the bone every possible social support .
We are about to enter into a new social contract and it must be that those who before the Covid crisis were forced to paddle and wade in the shallow margins of the inequality lake doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deep-middle , and who we now recognise we can not survive without , must get a fairer deal .
Failure to take this opportunity will ensure that too many of another generation currently paddling there will end up in the deep-middle “ not waving but drowning ” .
Photo by ptrabattoni is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

How was your lockdown? Bored by now? I feel life coming back: restaurants getting cleaned, outdoor tables appearing at cafes, more traffic on roads and a general spirit of giddy optimism rising again. We said we would get through it and we have and even before Buoyant Boris announced it, we were making small, tentative baby-steps into a new future as we test our ability to survive in a World with Covid. But we are not returning to from where we came; we are carefully climbing out through an opening window down into a new social arrangement.
As we locked down I found that most people were just decent and good. What quickly became clear was a genuine collective caring. People acted more kindly; strangers greeted in the street, we had extended conversations with deeply felt thanks for those who helped and overall children were better behaved or perhaps just seemed so. Yet, for the most deprived and marginalised, they tragically remained fixated on themselves and we judged them while we remained unwilling to understand.
A week into lockdown my attention was drawn to a trending social-media video of one of our ex-patients being apprehended by security at a local superstore. Naked to the waist he reminded me of a bull-calf charging pointlessly. He rammed the entrance head-first only to be repelled by the burly indifferent employees. He then, after a tirade of innovative expletives, hurled a metal stand, in place to direct social-distancing, but this merely bounced off the door frame. I was impressed by his determination as I was staff patience. He had attempted to steal vodka before being ejected and his online performance suggested both incompetence and incapacitation. This was day six of a bender that started before St Patrick’s Day and possibly inspired by the threat of a prolonged lock-down. Police, the night before, had raided his flat where 20 had been partying and confiscated alcohol and a complete sound system that risked structural damage to the building. When, at the end of the video, I saw police arrive, and knowing something of his probation terms, I knew it would be some time until we saw him again.
Three days into lockdown a methadone patient, one who frequently complained about the inconvenience of attending for daily supervised consumption, casually asked what would happen if she was forced to self-isolate. Updated service guidance meant if self-isolating methadone would be delivered to her home. Next day she was self-isolating. On her return to the rigours of daily consumption, she told me in isolation she had enjoyed herself; went to lots of parties, had a new hairstyle, got a new boyfriend, who she firmly believed was the one and renewed her addiction to alcohol. After two days she was lost to the system.
Only two examples from a challenging cohort. They rattle and frustrate us with their behaviours as they splash about drowning in the deep-middle of the social inequality lake, another generation so abused by a system that seemed forever sustainable, irreparable and unchangeable. To save them, a few throw out poorly designed life-buoys but most just watch judgementally blaming them for getting themselves too far out of their depth. Once in the lake you realise it is full of treacle not water and now matter how you struggle you gravitate down towards the deep-middle.
We all say in public we hope for a fairer society but each step towards fairness is aggressively resisted; progress was held back in the greedy 1980s and again the 2008 financial meltdown resulted in austerity that asset stripped to the bone every possible social support.
We are about to enter into a new social contract and it must be that those who before the Covid crisis were forced to paddle and wade in the shallow margins of the inequality lake doing their best not to get pulled to the deep-middle, and who we now recognise we cannot survive without, must get a fairer deal. Failure to take this opportunity will ensure that too many of another generation currently paddling there will end up in the deep-middle “not waving but drowning”.
Photo by ptrabattoni is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--“Journalists have always had to have integrity”

The media are at a crossroads , with fears over the future of some of Northern Ireland ’ s best known newspapers .
Existing trends favouring social media over print newspapers have been accelerated by the Covid-19 crisis , with additional financial pressures from a collapse in advertising revenues .
This is an appropriate moment to reflect on the future of the media and on ethical responsibilities on journalists working in a post-conflict society .
The latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust features an interview with Suzanne Rodgers , a media commentator who is media studies lecturer at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New types of newspapers are coming up , ” she says , some of which have a more open minded view of society , less connected to traditional social and political divisions .
“ And of course bloggers , podcasts are becoming very popular .
People are finding they have a whole range of other areas where they can access their news and information and also contribute to it as well .
” We ’ re now talking about two-way conversations , whereas in the past , certainly when I started my career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , delivered the information to people and people absorbed it .
Now we ’ re having this two-way conversation .
You ’ re finding even in the BBC where people are doing news programmes , even traffic reports , they ’ re asking people to come back and give their opinion , what ’ s happening where you are.
” But , Suzanne adds : “ On the other side , we still have the very traditional news outlets .
There hasn ’ t been a massive change since the deepest , darkest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small places like Limavady , Strabane , Portadown , having two newspapers , because they are serving two very different constituencies : one nationalist , the other unionist .
And there hasn ’ t been a huge change in that – which is strange , because I expected that.
” There have been limited changes in reading habits in recent years , with Sam McBride , the political editor of the News Letter , reporting that his newspaper sold out in nationalist areas because of his coverage of the RHI scandal .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the community divide .
“ I suppose , ” says Suzanne , “ one of the things that has happened is that there are some people who have a social media presence and have lost their anonymity .
They have become like a trusted person sitting at your kitchen table .
I know from the students I teach , they would follow journalists sometimes , rather than the outlets .
“ We have always been news hungry in this part of the world and people do look , even to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emerson , Alex Kane or Brian Feeney , because they are provocative .
Maybe that ’ s a change that has happened .
People feel more able to reach out and look at the other side and consider the other point of view .
“ By and large people are now looking for online news… .
The only paper I was aware of that was able to monetise that was the Donegal Daily ” .
It benefited from emigrants to Australia , Canada and America wanting to keep up with local news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that.
” Now , though , an increasing number of newspapers see their futures as being more online than in print .
But has the purpose of the media changed ?
“ The role of the media has always been to stand to one side and to shine a light in dark corners , ” insists Suzanne .
“ That ’ s what we all like to say .
Of course , commercialisation and the commercial reality is that newspapers and media have to sell advertising space.
” One of the improvements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fact checking organisations , verifying truth both for consumers and reporters .
“ Some newspapers , some news organisations , have furloughed staff , so the less staff the less chance you have of fact checking , ” Suzanne explains .
“ But we do have a number of organisations , like FactCheckNI , that do really good work , explaining what some of the myths are : they are there as a resource .
“ The Ethical PRISM Network is working with different fact check organisations , to set up multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hubs , to help journalists check and cross check their facts .
But the old rule of journalism still applies .
You don ’ t put something out as a fact unless you have got more than one source for it .
And unless you ’ ve got reliable sources for it.
” One of the big questions is whether journalists have specific responsibilities operating in a post-conflict society .
Do we have a responsibility to help society improve , to reduce division , or at least to avoid making divisions worse ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity , ” says Suzanne .
“ Integrity is key .
We can ’ t say publish and be damned .
You have to stop and think , what ’ s the context here ?
Am I adding anything here to wider knowledge or discourse , or is this just a sensational headline ?
… For journalists , that ’ s part of the job they are always weighing up .
What are the consequences of this ?
Does it add more than it takes away ?
What ’ s my role here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think maybe less so .
It was more so while the Troubles were being reported .
Hume-Adams , for instance , a lot of people knew that was happening , but people decided to give it a bit of space .
In a post-conflict society , journalists can perhaps press the pedal a bit harder.
” So if we accept there are stories that should be ignored because reporting them would spark violence or other community harm , are there other stories that should be covered because they will do good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ?
“ Yes , ” says Suzanne .
“ I think journalists do have that responsibility , because they have a unique power to disseminate information , to reach out and ask questions , with access to people that people on the street don ’ t have .
“ Maybe that ’ s where the real ethical responsibility lies .
Not just how you report the stories that come your way , that you come across , or that you find , but also actually going in search of those stories that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it is incumbent on journalists to go and look for those stories.
” This latest podcast in the second Forward Together series is available here on the website of Holywell Trust , a peace and reconciliation charity , and is financed by the Community Relations Council ’ s Media Grant Scheme Disclaimer : This project has received support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity , respect for diversity , and recognition of interdependence .
The views expressed do not necessarily reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The media are at a crossroads, with fears over the future of some of Northern Ireland’s best known newspapers. Existing trends favouring social media over print newspapers have been accelerated by the Covid-19 crisis, with additional financial pressures from a collapse in advertising revenues.
This is an appropriate moment to reflect on the future of the media and on ethical responsibilities on journalists working in a post-conflict society. The latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust features an interview with Suzanne Rodgers, a media commentator who is media studies lecturer at the North West Regional College.
“New types of newspapers are coming up,” she says, some of which have a more open minded view of society, less connected to traditional social and political divisions. “And of course bloggers, podcasts are becoming very popular. People are finding they have a whole range of other areas where they can access their news and information and also contribute to it as well.
”We’re now talking about two-way conversations, whereas in the past, certainly when I started my career in journalism, journalists delivered the news, delivered the information to people and people absorbed it. Now we’re having this two-way conversation. You’re finding even in the BBC where people are doing news programmes, even traffic reports, they’re asking people to come back and give their opinion, what’s happening where you are.”
But, Suzanne adds: “On the other side, we still have the very traditional news outlets. There hasn’t been a massive change since the deepest, darkest days of the Troubles. You have small places like Limavady, Strabane, Portadown, having two newspapers, because they are serving two very different constituencies: one nationalist, the other unionist. And there hasn’t been a huge change in that – which is strange, because I expected that.”
There have been limited changes in reading habits in recent years, with Sam McBride, the political editor of the News Letter, reporting that his newspaper sold out in nationalist areas because of his coverage of the RHI scandal. And some columnists write for outlets on both sides of the community divide.
“I suppose,” says Suzanne, “one of the things that has happened is that there are some people who have a social media presence and have lost their anonymity. They have become like a trusted person sitting at your kitchen table. I know from the students I teach, they would follow journalists sometimes, rather than the outlets.
“We have always been news hungry in this part of the world and people do look, even to be annoyed, to read someone like Newton Emerson, Alex Kane or Brian Feeney, because they are provocative. Maybe that’s a change that has happened. People feel more able to reach out and look at the other side and consider the other point of view.
“By and large people are now looking for online news…. The only paper I was aware of that was able to monetise that was the Donegal Daily”. It benefited from emigrants to Australia, Canada and America wanting to keep up with local news, “but very few others managed to do that.” Now, though, an increasing number of newspapers see their futures as being more online than in print.
But has the purpose of the media changed? “The role of the media has always been to stand to one side and to shine a light in dark corners,” insists Suzanne. “That’s what we all like to say. Of course, commercialisation and the commercial reality is that newspapers and media have to sell advertising space.”
One of the improvements to the media scene is the emergence of fact checking organisations, verifying truth both for consumers and reporters. “Some newspapers, some news organisations, have furloughed staff, so the less staff the less chance you have of fact checking,” Suzanne explains. “But we do have a number of organisations, like FactCheckNI, that do really good work, explaining what some of the myths are: they are there as a resource.
“The Ethical PRISM Network is working with different fact check organisations, to set up multiple tools, free online training and resource hubs, to help journalists check and cross check their facts. But the old rule of journalism still applies. You don’t put something out as a fact unless you have got more than one source for it. And unless you’ve got reliable sources for it.”
One of the big questions is whether journalists have specific responsibilities operating in a post-conflict society. Do we have a responsibility to help society improve, to reduce division, or at least to avoid making divisions worse?
“Journalists have always had to have integrity,” says Suzanne. “Integrity is key. We can’t say publish and be damned. You have to stop and think, what’s the context here? Am I adding anything here to wider knowledge or discourse, or is this just a sensational headline?… For journalists, that’s part of the job they are always weighing up. What are the consequences of this? Does it add more than it takes away? What’s my role here?
“In a post-conflict situation, I think maybe less so. It was more so while the Troubles were being reported. Hume-Adams, for instance, a lot of people knew that was happening, but people decided to give it a bit of space. In a post-conflict society, journalists can perhaps press the pedal a bit harder.”
So if we accept there are stories that should be ignored because reporting them would spark violence or other community harm, are there other stories that should be covered because they will do good, that might be termed ‘ethical journalism’?
“Yes,” says Suzanne. “I think journalists do have that responsibility, because they have a unique power to disseminate information, to reach out and ask questions, with access to people that people on the street don’t have.
“Maybe that’s where the real ethical responsibility lies. Not just how you report the stories that come your way, that you come across, or that you find, but also actually going in search of those stories that do shed a more positive light… I think it is incumbent on journalists to go and look for those stories.”
This latest podcast in the second Forward Together series is available here on the website of Holywell Trust, a peace and reconciliation charity, and is financed by the Community Relations Council’s Media Grant Scheme
Disclaimer: This project has received support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity, respect for diversity, and recognition of interdependence. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Community Relations Council.


Fergus on Monday

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sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--Culture Unconfined Day #1: Fishy tales and global wanderings…

O ’ Searcaigh ’ s final words in his poem An Tobar , “ there will have to be a going back to sources ” fits the first day of the Culture Unconfined Festival .
In the Catch of the Day documentary , Anna says ‘ everyone has a story ’ , and theirs is a journey home of sorts .
Others , today and throughout the week are more biographical and cultural journeys outwards , into the world of contemporary music , classical and traditional , from Co Clare to Los Angeles .
Enjoy… 10 am .
A Museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that allows people to use the time they have in lockdown to take to “ reflect critically on our past , our present difficulties and the future we desire ” .
Several videos to and material you can cut out and use .
11 am .
Never heard of Gerald Barry ?
He ’ s from Clarehill , Clarecastle , County Clare , Ireland , in 1952 .
From Schott : ‘ Gerald Barry is always sober , but might as well always be drunk .
His piece “ ______ ” is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but ” “ .
Here ’ s his piano concerto .
1 pm .
Róisín Waters ( Sinead O ’ Connor ’ s daughter ? )
Bach ’ s Partita no .
2 interspersed with traditional and original Irish pieces including Young Terence McDonagh , Gleanntain Ghlas Gaoith Dobhair , Danny Boy , Rosy ’ s Air ( Verity & Walters ) , Cooley ’ s reel , Drowsy Maggie and Tam Lin .
See the lunchtime concert packs for kids here .
4 pm .
‘ Catch the Day ’ , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the play , ‘ Catch of The Day ’ , a raucous and little-bit-political play all set in a Dingle pub .
It ’ s a fascinating struggle of second-generation Irish ‘ playmakers ’ in Red Fox Theatre to understand and then communicate certain complexities of Irish politics and culture .

O’Searcaigh’s final words in his poem An Tobar, “there will have to be a going back to sources” fits the first day of the Culture Unconfined Festival. In the Catch of the Day documentary, Anna says ‘everyone has a story’, and theirs is a journey home of sorts.
Others, today and throughout the week are more biographical and cultural journeys outwards, into the world of contemporary music, classical and traditional, from Co Clare to Los Angeles. Enjoy…
10 am. A Museum For Me: is a participatory exercise that allows people to use the time they have in lockdown to take to “reflect critically on our past, our present difficulties and the future we desire”. Several videos to and material you can cut out and use.
11 am. Never heard of Gerald Barry? He’s from Clarehill, Clarecastle, County Clare, Ireland, in 1952. From Schott: ‘Gerald Barry is always sober, but might as well always be drunk. His piece “______” is, on the contrary, not rectilineal, but ” “. Here’s his piano concerto.
1 pm. Róisín Waters (Sinead O’Connor’s daughter?) Bach’s Partita no. 2 interspersed with traditional and original Irish pieces including Young Terence McDonagh, Gleanntain Ghlas Gaoith Dobhair, Danny Boy, Rosy’s Air (Verity & Walters), Cooley’s reel, Drowsy Maggie and Tam Lin. See the lunchtime concert packs for kids here.
4 pm. ‘Catch the Day’, is a sound documentary covering the true story behind the play, ‘Catch of The Day’, a raucous and little-bit-political play all set in a Dingle pub. It’s a fascinating struggle of second-generation Irish ‘playmakers’ in Red Fox Theatre to understand and then communicate certain complexities of Irish politics and culture.


sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--Beyond health, Stormont needs an innovative and ground breaking economic plan…

You may recall that I recommended at least two important ways to survive this ( social as well as a public health crisis with your sanity intact relies on two things : not getting your news from social media and staying clear of public expressions of anger .
Boris Johnson ’ s speech yesterday doesn ’ t have many fans , even on his own side of the house .
Yet many of his critics ( political and otherwise ) seem to know more about what he got wrong than what they would have gotten right .
It certainly lacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presentation from the week before .
With science being so ostentatiously placed at the centre of British policy , so is the fact that none of the key issues around the disease has yet been settled .
As Lee Reynolds ( late of this parish , now of the DUP ) points out on Twitter : I don ’ t have a view one way or the other on the choice of wording .
As Marcus has argued , sooner or later we will have to come out of the cocooning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there will have to be some sort of leap made .
Northern Ireland , Wales and Scotland have all decided to delay ( as is their right ) and persist with lockdown for another three weeks .
In the meantime , that gives them a chance to get the infection figure down .
But it will also let them watch what happens .
In England , one clear difference is the plan to get some kids back to school by early June where the kids will still have about six weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrations should have access to the data from England .
They may be able to factor in the likelihood that an antibody test becomes available and we can start to at least make slightly clearer risk estimates on the basis of a truer idea of the scale and spread of the infection ( of which we are woefully ignorant ) .
Even the Reinfection number is ( like polls ) only really of use when reading for the overall trend of infections over time .
We are having to make policy largely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the clinical data catches up ( see opensafely ) with the models .
What we can see is the drop in consumer spending : That ’ s not necessarily something NI ( where the public sector provides a key economic cushion from external economic shocks ) will have to worry about , but the national governments will , sooner or later , have to deal with .
At that point , it will come home .
The whole furlough exercise is proving to be very expensive ( largely because UK Welfare is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between normal income levels and the pittance paid out under UC is huge ) .
Northern Ireland has bought itself time .
Three weeks in which to sort out its own messages , but also to figure how to handle what happens when furlough ends , and businesses have to chase customers they may never get back and pay their staff .
Right now , Johnson is promising to put health before business .
To me , that seems to be the natural logic which springs having abandoned his first ( Swedish ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a rather wider view of the issues Covid19 has visited on us .
Even in a best-case scenario , The Economist talks about us returning to a 90 % economy : That ’ s our private sector ’ s domain , and one we need to think much more broadly about in which our Business , Finance and Infrastructure departments at Stormont ought to be looking to play a win-win political game .
[ Don ’ t hold yer breathe !
– Ed ] Photo by Peggy_Marco is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

You may recall that I recommended at least two important ways to survive this (social as well as a public health crisis with your sanity intact relies on two things: not getting your news from social media and staying clear of public expressions of anger.
Boris Johnson’s speech yesterday doesn’t have many fans, even on his own side of the house. Yet many of his critics (political and otherwise) seem to know more about what he got wrong than what they would have gotten right.
It certainly lacked the certainty and clarity of the Taoiseach’s presentation from the week before. With science being so ostentatiously placed at the centre of British policy, so is the fact that none of the key issues around the disease has yet been settled.
As Lee Reynolds (late of this parish, now of the DUP) points out on Twitter:
1) The relaxations are so conditional and thus complex that they can’t be summarised effectively. The problems they had with the slogan revisions show that 2) What changes can be allowed on expert advice and what can be effectively communicated and followed are not the same thing — Lee Reynolds (@LeeReynoldsUKNI) May 11, 2020
I don’t have a view one way or the other on the choice of wording. As Marcus has argued, sooner or later we will have to come out of the cocooning stage. Having belatedly gone into lockdown, there will have to be some sort of leap made.
Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland have all decided to delay (as is their right) and persist with lockdown for another three weeks. In the meantime, that gives them a chance to get the infection figure down. But it will also let them watch what happens.
In England, one clear difference is the plan to get some kids back to school by early June where the kids will still have about six weeks of their summer term left. All devolved administrations should have access to the data from England.
They may be able to factor in the likelihood that an antibody test becomes available and we can start to at least make slightly clearer risk estimates on the basis of a truer idea of the scale and spread of the infection (of which we are woefully ignorant).
Even the Reinfection number is (like polls) only really of use when reading for the overall trend of infections over time. We are having to make policy largely in the dark and it will remain so until the clinical data catches up (see opensafely) with the models.
What we can see is the drop in consumer spending:
"Household spending dropped more than 40 per cent in April… suggesting the Bank of England was too optimistic when it forecast the worst recession in over 300 years." https://t.co/u0AfKW5Bpz pic.twitter.com/AeNrmtFUEd — David Steven (@davidsteven) May 11, 2020
That’s not necessarily something NI (where the public sector provides a key economic cushion from external economic shocks) will have to worry about, but the national governments will, sooner or later, have to deal with. At that point, it will come home.
The whole furlough exercise is proving to be very expensive (largely because UK Welfare is the bargain basement model making the shortfall between normal income levels and the pittance paid out under UC is huge).
Northern Ireland has bought itself time. Three weeks in which to sort out its own messages, but also to figure how to handle what happens when furlough ends, and businesses have to chase customers they may never get back and pay their staff.
Right now, Johnson is promising to put health before business. To me, that seems to be the natural logic which springs having abandoned his first (Swedish) position. The left of centre Swedes took a rather wider view of the issues Covid19 has visited on us.
Even in a best-case scenario, The Economist talks about us returning to a 90% economy:
The plight of the pub demonstrates that the 90% economy will not be something that can be fixed by fiat. Allowing pubs—and other places of social pleasure—to open counts for little if people do not want to visit them. Many people will have to leave the home in order to work, but they may well feel less comfortable doing so to have a good time.
That’s our private sector’s domain, and one we need to think much more broadly about in which our Business, Finance and Infrastructure departments at Stormont ought to be looking to play a win-win political game. [Don’t hold yer breathe! – Ed]
Photo by Peggy_Marco is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-05-11--In praise of our parks & green spaces during the pandemic

Cllr Brian Smyth is the Green Party Councillor on Belfast City Council I ’ ve developed a whole new level of appreciation of our public parks during this pandemic .
I ’ ve been up to Cregagh Glen a few times during the last number of weeks and it brought me the head space I hadn ’ t realised I needed .
I grew up in a block of flats with my mum and space , never mind head space , was in short supply .
No garden , not much green space around the flats and cars roaring up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view from our balcony .
I have lived through the tower block blues – lack of space and light , poor insulation for heat and sound .
That ’ s why I ’ m concerned about families living in cramped housing conditions during this crisis .
Children are unable to go to school and enjoy the freedom of the playground or playing fields at present .
Cramped conditions feel even tighter with everyone at home all of the time .
Lack of storage space can create claustrophobia in a world where we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more .
There can be no doubt that our planning system has allowed developers to maximise profit by minimising space .
If you ’ re fortunate enough to live in comfortable conditions with a private garden , lockdown life may be bearable , but it ’ s a different story for families living in cramped conditions .
Parks and urban green spaces aren ’ t a trade off for poor housing but they have provided a place of sanctuary for many people during this pandemic .
Academic studies show the relationship between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and higher levels of wellbeing .
Belfast has some of the best parks in the whole of these islands and it ’ s down to the hard work of the parks staff all year round .
Belvoir Park Forest is the only functioning forest within a city in the UK .
The best views of Belfast are the reward for walking to the top of Cavehill .
While , you can bring a ball for a kick about in Creagh Green in Castlereagh and follow in the footsteps of a boyhood George Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and urban green spaces save Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts around £3m per year based solely on a reduction in GP visits .
The well-being value associated with the frequent use of local parks and green spaces is worth £920 million per year to the Northern Ireland adult population .
Furthermore , trees and green spaces are also important in improving air quality and provide drainage when they are used as “ green infrastructure ” .
So , let ’ s appreciate our parks and urban green spaces , value them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re not in this crisis together , but for a moment as we meet each other in the park and nod politely , maintaining social distance , it feels as if we are !

Cllr Brian Smyth is the Green Party Councillor on Belfast City Council
I’ve developed a whole new level of appreciation of our public parks during this pandemic. I’ve been up to Cregagh Glen a few times during the last number of weeks and it brought me the head space I hadn’t realised I needed.
I grew up in a block of flats with my mum and space, never mind head space, was in short supply. No garden, not much green space around the flats and cars roaring up and down the M2 motorway was the view from our balcony.
I have lived through the tower block blues – lack of space and light, poor insulation for heat and sound. That’s why I’m concerned about families living in cramped housing conditions during this crisis.
Children are unable to go to school and enjoy the freedom of the playground or playing fields at present. Cramped conditions feel even tighter with everyone at home all of the time. Lack of storage space can create claustrophobia in a world where we’re conditioned to buy and accumulate more and more.
There can be no doubt that our planning system has allowed developers to maximise profit by minimising space. If you’re fortunate enough to live in comfortable conditions with a private garden, lockdown life may be bearable, but it’s a different story for families living in cramped conditions.
Parks and urban green spaces aren’t a trade off for poor housing but they have provided a place of sanctuary for many people during this pandemic. Academic studies show the relationship between access to parks and urban green spaces and higher levels of wellbeing.
Belfast has some of the best parks in the whole of these islands and it’s down to the hard work of the parks staff all year round.
Belvoir Park Forest is the only functioning forest within a city in the UK. The best views of Belfast are the reward for walking to the top of Cavehill. While, you can bring a ball for a kick about in Creagh Green in Castlereagh and follow in the footsteps of a boyhood George Best.
It’s estimated that parks and urban green spaces save Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts around £3m per year based solely on a reduction in GP visits.
The well-being value associated with the frequent use of local parks and green spaces is worth £920 million per year to the Northern Ireland adult population.
Furthermore, trees and green spaces are also important in improving air quality and provide drainage when they are used as “green infrastructure”.
So, let’s appreciate our parks and urban green spaces, value them and protect them for future generations. We’re not in this crisis together, but for a moment as we meet each other in the park and nod politely, maintaining social distance, it feels as if we are!


sluggerotoole--2020-05-12--There is more than one vision of a new Ireland

I ’ ve yet to read Paul Gosling ’ s book with the vaultingly ambitious yet carefully ambiguous title “ A New Ireland : a new Union , a New Society .
“ Judging from the discussion and its antecedents from the Holywell Trust , it makes an important contribution to enriching the debate on the future of the island .
But the logic of ideas seldom reproduces easily in politics .
Political will is something else entirely .
Broadly there are two contrasting approaches to the future : to follow the logic of harmonisation and integration to wherever it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue by the challenge of unity referendums .
Although there are excellent reasons for continuing to fudge , I think before long , underlying pressure may force academics and politicians to come off the fence on this one .
In those circumstances unionists and indeed the main Westminster parties had better have their arguments ready .
Paul is right .
Logic and political order is more apparent in Dublin ( give or take the odd problem in forming a government ) than in London .
Irish unity as a concept is far easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devolution and the future of the unitary state .
Aside from the constitutional , marshalling the economic arguments has only just begun .
Already complex over Brexit , they will not be made any easier by the fallout from Covid .
Remember that Irish unity is not only how nationalists may see it as two parts of the island more or less logically coming together ; it involves the trauma of cutting the British link .
I quibble without dismissing the point about the degree of British indifference .
Looking back on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught on as did opposition to the invasion of Iraq .
The attitude prevails of Britain grimly doing its duty .
After 20 years , patience maybe wearing thin .
Yet the single most notable act of Westminster in 20 years in relation to NI was the passage of abortion and equal marriage measures with cross party support in the teeth of DUP opposition .
Admittedly the circumstances were special both at Westminster and Stormont .
But MPs recognised a difference between their view of the interests of Northern Ireland ’ s people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whatever it was , it was not indifference .
Attitudes to the Union as a whole are fluid and in transition .
Paradoxically NI ’ s is place in the union is marginally strengthened by becoming less exceptional as one of the four “ nations ” referred to rather desperately in Covid briefings every day .
Paul may be right , that English pressure may require a recasting of the Barnett formula ; but pressure to preserve the Union may prolong it .
The Conservatives may not want to give up the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland make it easier or more difficult ?
Covid simply increases the dilemma .
Paradoxically perhaps , the constructive participating behaviour of NI ’ s non unionist MPs enhances NI ’ s reputation .
If somehow we get past the withdrawal agreement without a smash ( a big if ) , NI ’ s special status in the single market may turn out to remarkably uncontroversial as it is so much in the interests of the whole island to make it work .
I see it as a Big Bang political issue rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s book presents a valuable and civilised challenge to both British and unionist opinion to join the debate or start their own .
Unionist denial although historically remarkably successful in their own interest is an inadequate response to changing demographics and public attitudes .
Academe , think tanks and politicians in Ireland should also pay close attention to British political developments over the next couple of years and pitch in with their ideas , the Holywell Trust included .
The future of Northern Ireland and Ireland as a whole have places within it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin establishment might be happy to agree .

I’ve yet to read Paul Gosling’s book with the vaultingly ambitious yet carefully ambiguous title “A New Ireland: a new Union, a New Society.” Judging from the discussion and its antecedents from the Holywell Trust, it makes an important contribution to enriching the debate on the future of the island. But the logic of ideas seldom reproduces easily in politics. Political will is something else entirely. Broadly there are two contrasting approaches to the future: to follow the logic of harmonisation and integration to wherever it leads; or attempt to force the issue by the challenge of unity referendums. Although there are excellent reasons for continuing to fudge, I think before long, underlying pressure may force academics and politicians to come off the fence on this one. In those circumstances unionists and indeed the main Westminster parties had better have their arguments ready. Paul is right. Logic and political order is more apparent in Dublin (give or take the odd problem in forming a government) than in London. Irish unity as a concept is far easier to grasp than the confusions of UK devolution and the future of the unitary state. Aside from the constitutional, marshalling the economic arguments has only just begun. Already complex over Brexit, they will not be made any easier by the fallout from Covid.
Remember that Irish unity is not only how nationalists may see it as two parts of the island more or less logically coming together ; it involves the trauma of cutting the British link. I quibble without dismissing the point about the degree of British indifference. Looking back on the Troubles, the Troops Out idea never caught on as did opposition to the invasion of Iraq. The attitude prevails of Britain grimly doing its duty. After 20 years, patience maybe wearing thin. Yet the single most notable act of Westminster in 20 years in relation to NI was the passage of abortion and equal marriage measures with cross party support in the teeth of DUP opposition. Admittedly the circumstances were special both at Westminster and Stormont. But MPs recognised a difference between their view of the interests of Northern Ireland’s people and the opinions of the DUP. Whatever it was, it was not indifference. It was closely followed by the most successful British operation in years to restore the Assembly- and this at the height of the Brexit crisis.
Attitudes to the Union as a whole are fluid and in transition. Paradoxically NI’s place in the union is marginally strengthened by becoming less exceptional as one of the four “nations” referred to rather desperately in Covid briefings every day. Paul may be right, that English pressure may require a recasting of the Barnett formula; but pressure to preserve the Union may prolong it. The Conservatives may not want to give up the Union so easily. Would casting off Northern Ireland make it easier or more difficult? Covid simply increases the dilemma. Paradoxically perhaps, the constructive participating behaviour of NI’s non unionist MPs enhances NI’s reputation. If somehow we get past the withdrawal agreement without a smash (a big if), NI’s special status in the single market may turn out to remarkably uncontroversial as it is so much in the interests of the whole island to make it work. I see it as a Big Bang political issue rather than a running sore.
Paul’s book presents a valuable and civilised challenge to both British and unionist opinion to join the debate or start their own. Unionist denial although historically remarkably successful in their own interest is an inadequate response to changing demographics and public attitudes.
Academe, think tanks and politicians in Ireland should also pay close attention to British political developments over the next couple of years and pitch in with their ideas, the Holywell Trust included. The future of Northern Ireland and Ireland as a whole have places within it, whatever the final outcome. The Dublin establishment might be happy to agree.