Fuck you said in Irish Dáil (parliament)

As a Green Party member I don’t know what to make of this. From a Joe Soap perspective it’s highly entertaining internet fodder, it’s refreshing. But there is a darkness to it. Is it more than just a laugh, is it a staging post in the country’s exasperation with politics? Could it conceivably get more people interested in politics because for once they understand the language a politician is using. Is it a low point in politics? It hardly seems that way when you think of the far more wretched things politics has brought us. Is it a harbringer of a tsunami of public anger in 2010 ? Is Gogarty a child lost in a sea of cynical adults, is he a muppet? Or is he a hero for being the antithesis of the smooth talking, PR groomed politician talking polite waffle? The joke on twitter is that he’s going for the 12 – 16 yer old vote ? Is that a good thing? Help me out here people, what should I make of this? Feel free to hurl abuse at me, Gogarty and the Greens. I reckon that’s only fair.

Read the full text of Paul Gogarty's speech here.

Laptops, digital media gadgets, Adbusters

The Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo

Apparently the metal tantalum makes great capacitors for compact hi-tech items like mobile phones and laptop computers. There was a tantalum rush in Africa in the early part of this century. The price of tantalum was very high. One kilogram cost over a hundred dollars. You could sell a handful for around twenty dollars.

This is a link to an article by Greg Queyranne, a Canadian researcher focusing on conflicts in Central Africa. Thanks to Adbusters.

Popeye the Sailor / Elzie Crisler Segar

Apparently Popeye's first words (when asked if he was a sailor) were "J'a think I'm a cowboy?" In this episode Olive becomes smitten with 'the International' a French radio presenter. Popeye takes none too kindly to this. Elzie Crisler Segar is the creator of the Popeye character.

Ten Rave Techno / Techno Rave Tunes

Maybe you know some of these songs? They were recorded in the late 80s or 1990s. The tracks that have links are to the tunes on YouTube. If it's your thang.... enjoy!

1. In yer face - 808 state
2. Anasthasia - T99
3. Lush 3-1 3-2 - Orbital
4. Majestic - The Orb
5. Stakker Humanoid - Humanoid
6. Stella - Jam and Spoon
7. Rainbows in the Sky - The Hypnotist
8. 2 Bad Mice - 2 Bad Mice
9. The Man With The Masterplan - Quadrophonia
10. No Deeper Love - Rising High Collective
    

French at About.com with Laura K. Lawless

The French number for nine is neuf, right? But neuf also means new, as in a brand new thing. So they are what is called....mmm, can I remember, they are called homonyms, or synonyms or something like that, I think, right? Anyway, how many of these types of words exist in the French language? Is there a handy list anywhere? Un avocat means lawyer and avocado, appropriate? La somme is a sum or an amount of something but le somme that means a nap or a snooze. J'ai prend une somme? An bhfuil an cheart agam?

Van Morrison & Bob Dylan - Crazy Love

I remember watching this on television many moons ago. To see two great songwriters together singing in front of the Parthenon. It's more of a Van Morrison vehicle than a Bob Dylan one. And they are singing a Van tune. Bob is just a songsmith enjoying the craft of another. I think it sounds great.

more about "Van Morrison & Bob Dylan - Crazy Love", posted with vodpod

Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Hobnox

Neil Young has a great new album out. So does Bob Dylan. Then there is Hobnox. That's a whole other kettle of fish... I highly recommend checking out the Tone Matrix option and then just click the squares, press play and have fun!