MATTHEW MEEHAN
Researchers in the University of Pittsburg, have recently created ring networks of brain cells. These networks can carry electrical impulses, therefore these ring networks can, theoretically carry information at speeds reaching the speed of light. This may sound impressive but fibre optics do the same thing, just these ring networks are a biological and, possibly, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than their brethren.
These brain cells work much in the same way as animal brain cells. "[Brain cells] were not only capable of transmitting impulses but also remained in a state of presistent acticity associated with memory formation", explains Henry Zeringue, chief researcher and bioengineering professor in the University's Swansea School of Engineering.
Magnetic resonance images suggest that memories are formed when the cortex, outer layer of the brain, undergoes extended elctrical activity after the initial stimulus.
Zeringue and the other researchers on the team have managed to sustain the network activity up to twelve seconds. In terms of neural activity that's a long time compared to the usual natural time of a quarter of a second. With the extended time observed the team was able to observe how the neurons transmitted and held their charge.
How to make your own perti dish brain:
1. Extract brain cells from a hippopotamus rat, (or if you're into malpractise, humans).
2. Fuse the cells with proteins.
3. Turn off any inhibitor cells.
4. Run an electrical current through the cells to stimulate growth.
Result: You get a network of brain cells able to replicate the same types of functions as a normal brain, albeit to a lesser extent.
Go forth and replicate!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Is Féidir linn
ANDREW MCKEOWN
On Monday May 23rd, American President Barrack Obama spoke in College Green in Dublin. He delivered a message to the youth in his speech "Your inherited future is as big and as bright as our inherited future was" and his speech showed optimism for Ireland and it's young people. "I see these young people here today and I know that Ireland will succeed." He spoke of the Northern Ireland peace process, praising the Irish people for their part "You, the Irish people, perservered, you cast your votes, you let your voice be heard for that peace."
The president spoke of the link between Ireland and the US, stating that "we're peoples, the Irish and Americans, who never stop imagining a better future........ America will always be with you Ireland." He spoke of the Irish immigrants in America and of their contribution to American culture and liberty "Irish sweat built our cities, Irish blood stained our battlefields...... When Abraham Lincoln tried to unite the union more than 100,000 Irish men joined to aid the cause." Obama spoke his famous words 'Is féidir linn', 'Yes we can' followed by a roar of cheers. "Your better days are yet ahead. Our greatest triumphs, in America and Ireland alike, are yet to come."
On Monday May 23rd, American President Barrack Obama spoke in College Green in Dublin. He delivered a message to the youth in his speech "Your inherited future is as big and as bright as our inherited future was" and his speech showed optimism for Ireland and it's young people. "I see these young people here today and I know that Ireland will succeed." He spoke of the Northern Ireland peace process, praising the Irish people for their part "You, the Irish people, perservered, you cast your votes, you let your voice be heard for that peace."
The president spoke of the link between Ireland and the US, stating that "we're peoples, the Irish and Americans, who never stop imagining a better future........ America will always be with you Ireland." He spoke of the Irish immigrants in America and of their contribution to American culture and liberty "Irish sweat built our cities, Irish blood stained our battlefields...... When Abraham Lincoln tried to unite the union more than 100,000 Irish men joined to aid the cause." Obama spoke his famous words 'Is féidir linn', 'Yes we can' followed by a roar of cheers. "Your better days are yet ahead. Our greatest triumphs, in America and Ireland alike, are yet to come."
"I'm bloody sure we can!"
AARON MCGAHON
On Monday May 23rd, American President Barrack Obama was welcomed by many well known Irish artists and celebrities, including Brendan Gleeson, Stephen Rea, Ryan Tubridy, Gabriel Byrne, The Sawdoctors, who performed N17, the Coronas and Jedward, who performed their song 'Lipstick'.
Ryan Tubridy invited the artists on stage, many of whom performed or made speeches. Stephen Rea read the poem 'I am of Ireland' by W.B Yeats and dedicated it to "those who have emmigrated recently or in bygone days". Gabriel Byrne told of the importance of the Irish people in the world "We have given the world so much... The people that we have sent out into the world have changed the history and the art of the world." Brendan Gleeson gave a rousing speech, filled with passion "It's time to stand up! Breathe the air! Look around! What people! What friends we have. I'm bloody sure we can!" and spoke of O'Connell and Douglas, two great emancipators from Ireland and America respectively.
If their was one message that was sent to the world that day, it was that of Ireland's strength, its tenacity and its power.
On Monday May 23rd, American President Barrack Obama was welcomed by many well known Irish artists and celebrities, including Brendan Gleeson, Stephen Rea, Ryan Tubridy, Gabriel Byrne, The Sawdoctors, who performed N17, the Coronas and Jedward, who performed their song 'Lipstick'.
Ryan Tubridy invited the artists on stage, many of whom performed or made speeches. Stephen Rea read the poem 'I am of Ireland' by W.B Yeats and dedicated it to "those who have emmigrated recently or in bygone days". Gabriel Byrne told of the importance of the Irish people in the world "We have given the world so much... The people that we have sent out into the world have changed the history and the art of the world." Brendan Gleeson gave a rousing speech, filled with passion "It's time to stand up! Breathe the air! Look around! What people! What friends we have. I'm bloody sure we can!" and spoke of O'Connell and Douglas, two great emancipators from Ireland and America respectively.
If their was one message that was sent to the world that day, it was that of Ireland's strength, its tenacity and its power.
Iranian spider on the web.
MATTHEW MEEHAN
It has been reported that Iran will, within the next two years, shut down its open internet source to cut out "western influences" and keep the people focused on Islamic virtues.
Eleven percent of Iran's citizens have access to the internet. The plan is to begin running the state-controlled system parallel to the current open source to gain some "fanboys". Until this point alarm bells were ringing in my head to the chant of "Egypt!" The Iranian government obviouly haven't taken into account the trouble 'turning off' the internet can cause.
It strikes me as a softer approach to that of the shutting down of Egypt's internet, albeit barely. The people with internet access will be forced to use a non-Microsoft OS, operating system, and a self developed alternative to Google. It's name you ask? Guess. No, not Yahoo.. No, not Ask. *Drum roll* ladies and gentlemen, it shall be called, "Ya Hagh"!
In my honest opinion this will not work, any government that tries to censor the internet deserves to be overthrown. Several rebel groups have already voiced their concerns on social networking sites, most of them young people who are unwilling to be cut off from the rest of the world. One 20 year old law student in Iran stated on twitter that "without the internet, no one can tell the world what is happening in our country. We will not stand for it. We will fight if we have to.
It seems to me that this is just an extreme step to completely cut off Wikileaks from the Iranian people. This is just my speculation and opinion though. Draw your own conclusions.
It has been reported that Iran will, within the next two years, shut down its open internet source to cut out "western influences" and keep the people focused on Islamic virtues.
Eleven percent of Iran's citizens have access to the internet. The plan is to begin running the state-controlled system parallel to the current open source to gain some "fanboys". Until this point alarm bells were ringing in my head to the chant of "Egypt!" The Iranian government obviouly haven't taken into account the trouble 'turning off' the internet can cause.
It strikes me as a softer approach to that of the shutting down of Egypt's internet, albeit barely. The people with internet access will be forced to use a non-Microsoft OS, operating system, and a self developed alternative to Google. It's name you ask? Guess. No, not Yahoo.. No, not Ask. *Drum roll* ladies and gentlemen, it shall be called, "Ya Hagh"!
In my honest opinion this will not work, any government that tries to censor the internet deserves to be overthrown. Several rebel groups have already voiced their concerns on social networking sites, most of them young people who are unwilling to be cut off from the rest of the world. One 20 year old law student in Iran stated on twitter that "without the internet, no one can tell the world what is happening in our country. We will not stand for it. We will fight if we have to.
It seems to me that this is just an extreme step to completely cut off Wikileaks from the Iranian people. This is just my speculation and opinion though. Draw your own conclusions.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
The horrors of human trafficking
ANDREW MCKEOWN
While in Washington D.C, members of the IYT crew interviewed members of the FBI at the FBI training academy. All interviewed wished to remain anonymous. One FBI agent told us that he was involved in combating Mexican drug cartels while stationed in Texas. "the main crime cells specialise in the transport and selling of drugs, illegal DVDs and equipment and human trafficking". He told us that many women are sold into prostitution by criminal gangs in Mexico who then sell these young women to American gangs. Often these women are forced to use drugs until they are addicted, a method of both "taming and subduing them". These women are then forced to work as prostitutes on American streets and have to continue working for their 'pimps' who provide them with drugs so as to feed their addiction. Another agent told us that he worked with French police officials and told us that the case is the same in mainland Europe. He told us that " these women, mainly from Eastern Europe are traded by gangs for money or drugs and that the blackmarket selling 'crack whores' does very well in the larger European cities. He also stated that "the youngest girl I saw in prostitution was only about 12 or 13, only a kid." Clearly, human trafficking is a horrifyingly profitable trade in our 'civilised societies'.
While in Washington D.C, members of the IYT crew interviewed members of the FBI at the FBI training academy. All interviewed wished to remain anonymous. One FBI agent told us that he was involved in combating Mexican drug cartels while stationed in Texas. "the main crime cells specialise in the transport and selling of drugs, illegal DVDs and equipment and human trafficking". He told us that many women are sold into prostitution by criminal gangs in Mexico who then sell these young women to American gangs. Often these women are forced to use drugs until they are addicted, a method of both "taming and subduing them". These women are then forced to work as prostitutes on American streets and have to continue working for their 'pimps' who provide them with drugs so as to feed their addiction. Another agent told us that he worked with French police officials and told us that the case is the same in mainland Europe. He told us that " these women, mainly from Eastern Europe are traded by gangs for money or drugs and that the blackmarket selling 'crack whores' does very well in the larger European cities. He also stated that "the youngest girl I saw in prostitution was only about 12 or 13, only a kid." Clearly, human trafficking is a horrifyingly profitable trade in our 'civilised societies'.
Honour flights
ANDREW MCKEOWN
When in Washington D.C, members of the Irish Youth Times team interviewed volunteers of 'Honour flights Network', an organisation that flies American military veterans from their home states to Washington D.C to visit war memorials such as the Vietnam, Korean, Iwa Jima and World War 2 memorials as well as the grave of the unknown soldier in Arlington cemetary. One volunteer told us that 1,000 American war veterans die every day in the US. "the Honour flight network has carried over 63,000 veterans to D.C. and we give priority to WW2 vets or veterans who are terminally ill". All regiments are represented from the Army, Navy, Air force, Marine corps and army nurses corps. One veteran told us "It's very enjoyable and we're really treated well. I fought in World War 2 and I was attached to Merchant convoys and was positioned on the Isle of Man and later in France. A huge amount of the time was spent crossing from place to place on ships, with sometimes up to 30 days spent at sea at a time. There were scary times too but I was a lot braver then as I was young and energetic aged only 18." The Honour flight network is a not-for-profit organisation who operate with the help of donations. One volunteer told us she knew of one man who donated enough tickets to fill up an entire plane with veterans, at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars.
When in Washington D.C, members of the Irish Youth Times team interviewed volunteers of 'Honour flights Network', an organisation that flies American military veterans from their home states to Washington D.C to visit war memorials such as the Vietnam, Korean, Iwa Jima and World War 2 memorials as well as the grave of the unknown soldier in Arlington cemetary. One volunteer told us that 1,000 American war veterans die every day in the US. "the Honour flight network has carried over 63,000 veterans to D.C. and we give priority to WW2 vets or veterans who are terminally ill". All regiments are represented from the Army, Navy, Air force, Marine corps and army nurses corps. One veteran told us "It's very enjoyable and we're really treated well. I fought in World War 2 and I was attached to Merchant convoys and was positioned on the Isle of Man and later in France. A huge amount of the time was spent crossing from place to place on ships, with sometimes up to 30 days spent at sea at a time. There were scary times too but I was a lot braver then as I was young and energetic aged only 18." The Honour flight network is a not-for-profit organisation who operate with the help of donations. One volunteer told us she knew of one man who donated enough tickets to fill up an entire plane with veterans, at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
"No anger, no hate" - The Dalai Lama at Possibilities 2011 social forum.
ANDREW MCKEOWN, Editor and Political reporter.
ON WEDNESDAY, April 13th, 2,000 people gathered in Dublin’s Citywest Hotel for the sold-out Possibilities social forum, organised by three charities: Afri, Children in Crossfire and Spunout.
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, addressed the Possibilities 2011 social forum. He was invited by his friend Richard Moore, founder of Children in Crossfire who was blinded by a British soldier in Northern Ireland at the age of ten but met with the soldier years later to tell him that he forgave him and they subsequently became friends.
We asked the Dalai Lama “what is the best way for young people to implement change in the world?” He said that young people are very important and powerful. “I am from the 20th Century but you all belong to the 21st Century. This century depends on you. You should think about the future seriously and with vision.” He said that we should be open in our international affairs. “There is no we and they. All of humanity is one human family. Every part of the big world is a big ‘we’.”
He said that we should be kind to others “your interest is dependent on them. Destruction of your neighbour, destruction of your enemy is the destruction of yourself. I am a refugee- stateless. I have no country. But I find friends everywhere I go.”
When asked about his views on the recession he said that he had no knowledge of “money matters”, but said that his friends told him that the global recession was caused by too much greed. People who rely on money for happiness, he said, suffer most, and he said that the sources for inner peace can be found within ourselves. “The ultimate source of happiness, peace of mind, cannot be produced by money,” he said. “Billionaires, they are, I notice, very unhappy people. Very powerful, but deep inside, too much anxiety, too much stress.”
The Dalai Lama said people should be able to criticise, but not allow their judgement to be clouded by the red haze of rage.“Once anger comes into your mind - biased,” he said. “So your criticism will not be genuine. No anger, no hate”
He said with “self confidence, hard work and determination”, Ireland’s economy would prosper again. “Ireland was once very poor but you made the best of opportunities”.
More than 1,200 tickets for the event sold out within five days of going on sale. The remaining 800 tickets were sold cheaply or given away to youth and community groups throughout the country.
The Dalai Lama urged people to be warm-hearted and compassionate, which he said, coupled with study and meditation, was the way to inner peace. He spoke of the importance of the media “You must be truthful and you should have a nose to smell out corruption.” He then said, with a cheeky giggle that “You must have a very long nose, like an elephant, to smell behind as that’s where you’ll find it.”
Former Irish president and ex-United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson also spoke at the social forum, reminding everyone of their duty in making the world a better place and emphasizing and ingeminating the threat that Global warming poses to the poorest in our world. She too spoke of the importance of the media “People protested in the squares [of Libya and Egypt] because they felt that they weren’t alone because of media.”
ON WEDNESDAY, April 13th, 2,000 people gathered in Dublin’s Citywest Hotel for the sold-out Possibilities social forum, organised by three charities: Afri, Children in Crossfire and Spunout.
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, addressed the Possibilities 2011 social forum. He was invited by his friend Richard Moore, founder of Children in Crossfire who was blinded by a British soldier in Northern Ireland at the age of ten but met with the soldier years later to tell him that he forgave him and they subsequently became friends.
We asked the Dalai Lama “what is the best way for young people to implement change in the world?” He said that young people are very important and powerful. “I am from the 20th Century but you all belong to the 21st Century. This century depends on you. You should think about the future seriously and with vision.” He said that we should be open in our international affairs. “There is no we and they. All of humanity is one human family. Every part of the big world is a big ‘we’.”
He said that we should be kind to others “your interest is dependent on them. Destruction of your neighbour, destruction of your enemy is the destruction of yourself. I am a refugee- stateless. I have no country. But I find friends everywhere I go.”
When asked about his views on the recession he said that he had no knowledge of “money matters”, but said that his friends told him that the global recession was caused by too much greed. People who rely on money for happiness, he said, suffer most, and he said that the sources for inner peace can be found within ourselves. “The ultimate source of happiness, peace of mind, cannot be produced by money,” he said. “Billionaires, they are, I notice, very unhappy people. Very powerful, but deep inside, too much anxiety, too much stress.”
The Dalai Lama said people should be able to criticise, but not allow their judgement to be clouded by the red haze of rage.“Once anger comes into your mind - biased,” he said. “So your criticism will not be genuine. No anger, no hate”
He said with “self confidence, hard work and determination”, Ireland’s economy would prosper again. “Ireland was once very poor but you made the best of opportunities”.
More than 1,200 tickets for the event sold out within five days of going on sale. The remaining 800 tickets were sold cheaply or given away to youth and community groups throughout the country.
The Dalai Lama urged people to be warm-hearted and compassionate, which he said, coupled with study and meditation, was the way to inner peace. He spoke of the importance of the media “You must be truthful and you should have a nose to smell out corruption.” He then said, with a cheeky giggle that “You must have a very long nose, like an elephant, to smell behind as that’s where you’ll find it.”
Former Irish president and ex-United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson also spoke at the social forum, reminding everyone of their duty in making the world a better place and emphasizing and ingeminating the threat that Global warming poses to the poorest in our world. She too spoke of the importance of the media “People protested in the squares [of Libya and Egypt] because they felt that they weren’t alone because of media.”
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Why aren't the girls playing with Dáils?
GRÁINNE LOUGHRAN, Political commentator
In the general election we suffered the loss in the Dáil of TDs Mary Hanafin and Mary Coughlan. They’re not a loss because they were particularly fine politicians, nor because they were Fianna Fáil candidates (insert appropriate political jibe here)- they’re a loss because they’re two of the few women to sit in the Dáil.
There are 166 seats in the Dáil and in our newly elected government 23 will be filled by women. A low number- but in fact, it’s the highest number of women ever to serve as TDs at once. Women have never played as big a part in politics as men and Irish history is dotted with the likes of Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera with little or no mention of any women having a major impact on politics. This isn’t a sexism thing- women really haven’t made much impact politically. We’ve never had a female Taoiseach and while our last two presidents have been women, the president has little or no power over the actual running of the country. Mary Harney resigned as leader of the now extinct Progressive Democrats party and at the moment the only strong female influence on politics in Ireland is Joan Burton of the Labour Party.
But why is it that so few women in Ireland get into politics? It certainly isn’t because they’re not as capable leaders- look at Angela Merkel, the current German chancellor and the infamous Margaret Thatcher of Britain. It’s not that women are less interested in how the country is being run, nor that they’re too busy trying to get the perfect shoes to match their outfit. Irish girls are as well educated and given the same opportunities as boys. They’re certainly well up to the task, and choosing not to partake in political life.
Is this purely a case of not having strong enough female role models, or is there something more behind it? We certainly don’t have anyone to aspire to be in Irish politics. Countess Markievicz was the first woman to really influence the political situation in Ireland but few have followed in her footsteps. Irish girls have been looking at the Dáil for years and seeing middle aged men who share nothing in common with them running the country into a hole. It’s time to see a change in the way the young ladies of Ireland think and it’s time for a change in the running of Irish politics. “Be the change you wish to see in the world”, said Gandhi. Well, maybe we will. And maybe in the future it’ll be us providing the inspirational quotes at the ends of articles like this.
To a Helix in Elsinore
GRÁINNE LOUGHRAN, Culture journalist
It’s safe to say that Shakespeare is not the most liked section of the Leaving Cert course for English students around the country, but after the performance of Hamlet in the Helix by Second Age Theatre Company I think that it has definitely grown in most of their estimations. The Company’s enigmatic and refreshing performance of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, while not without it’s faults, is generally acted well and gives a good illustration of life at Elsinore and the trials and tribulations of young Hamlet himself, bringing to life an element of the English course which is so often labelled as drab and boring by students and parents alike.
The two standout performances of the show were undoubtedly by Hamlet and Claudius, played by Conor Madden and Frank McCusker respectively. The Dublin actor’s portrayal of the troubled young Dane is well executed and without technical fault, and any lapses in performance will undoubtedly be ironed out as he progresses in his career. He depicts Hamlet’s madness very well and most definitely makes him feel real to us, and while he is not overwhelming in this, one of his maiden voyages, Mr Madden is certainly a star on the rise and one to watch out for in the future. The supporting cast of Gertrude, Polonius and Horatio provide a steady backing to the two main characters and as a whole, the cast work very well in harmony with each other. Frank McCusker in the role of Claudius brings the part to life and manages to keep up an exciting persona throughout. His entrance in the second scene of the play is thoroughly well executed as his opening speech is addressed to an unseen crowd of people from a window, with his back to us. This first view of Claudius is almost reminiscent of Hitler, and an excellently calculated piece of production and directing by Aoife Spillane Hinks.
Other aspects of the production are not quite so well thought out. For one thing, the set is moved by the actors themselves- in one case, while the actor is in the middle of saying his lines. This jarring disregard for the need to stay in character is no fault of the actors themselves, but breaks up what is otherwise a very smooth and unfettered show. The set itself is very well made, morphing easily from castle to courtyard but is obviously a cumbersome prop when one is trying to act.
Another partial downfall was that of the costume department, which clothed the actors in modern attire rather than the traditional garments. While in most cases this is not a glaring oversight, Ophelia’s red dress leaves much to be desired as she appears to have been shopping in River Island. Unfortunately, this is also true of her acting. Anna Shiels McNamee is unconvincing in her role as Hamlet’s suitor and does not equal Madden at all in terms of talent, although she does improve slightly in the second half of the play.
These mild faults brought what was otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable show down slightly in my own opinion, but overall Hamlet in the Helix is a production well worth going to see. The addition of Dublin accents to a couple of scenes adds a more modern sense of humour to the play and as many of the other teenage girls in the audience will be able to tell you, the sword fight between Hamlet and Laertes at the end is a very enjoyable, if slightly anticlimactic ending. Adding elements of modern life while managing to retain the elegance of the past is a difficult feat, but by and large Second Age Theatre Company appears to have done Hamlet more than justice.
Friday, March 18, 2011
U.N. to deploy military forces in Libya
TOM LAWLOR, Political Correspondent
Yesterday, Thursday the 17th of March, while most of us were enjoying St. Patrick's day, the rest of the world heard that the U.N. Security Council voted to use military force to prevent Colonel Gaddaffi from killing anymore Libyan citizens. The Resolution 1973 approves the 'protection of civilians under all necessary measures', how you would interpret that is a matter of opinion. It is possible that the ultimate ending will be Gaddafi removed, but it is not the chief objective at this moment in time.
Presently, they only seek to protect the lives of the opposition groups being hunted down and murder, but Gaddafi may not back down, leading to a full scale head hunt for Gaddafi, similar to Sadam Hussein's deposal from power. Other questions are being asked over the details of the Resolution, such as the possible arming of the opposition groups in Libya. Some sources from Libya sugest that this is what the Rebel groups want, to be the ones to protect themselves, with air aid from the U.N., not wanting 'boots on the ground'. But to be given the ability to protect themselves.
Yesterday, Thursday the 17th of March, while most of us were enjoying St. Patrick's day, the rest of the world heard that the U.N. Security Council voted to use military force to prevent Colonel Gaddaffi from killing anymore Libyan citizens. The Resolution 1973 approves the 'protection of civilians under all necessary measures', how you would interpret that is a matter of opinion. It is possible that the ultimate ending will be Gaddafi removed, but it is not the chief objective at this moment in time.
Presently, they only seek to protect the lives of the opposition groups being hunted down and murder, but Gaddafi may not back down, leading to a full scale head hunt for Gaddafi, similar to Sadam Hussein's deposal from power. Other questions are being asked over the details of the Resolution, such as the possible arming of the opposition groups in Libya. Some sources from Libya sugest that this is what the Rebel groups want, to be the ones to protect themselves, with air aid from the U.N., not wanting 'boots on the ground'. But to be given the ability to protect themselves.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Is King Of Limbs the King of albums?
NIAMH MCKENNA, Culture journalist
Nobody was really sure what to expect of Radiohead eighth studio album. The band certainly reinforced their noted unpredictability by announcing the album details just 5 days before its scheduled release, and as if that wasn’t enough of a surprise for their fans, they also released the album a day in advance, on the 18th February.
Nobody was really sure what to expect of Radiohead eighth studio album. The band certainly reinforced their noted unpredictability by announcing the album details just 5 days before its scheduled release, and as if that wasn’t enough of a surprise for their fans, they also released the album a day in advance, on the 18th February.
The first thing I noticed after downloading the album was the amount of songs – only eight tracks, Radiohead’s shortest album to date. The phrase ‘quality over quantity’ came to mind and I sincerely hoped that this was the case.
The shortness of the album most definitely reflects the content itself, minimalist and understated, with Jonny Greenwood’s appearance on guitar effectively non-existent, bar one or two tracks. Though a follow up of In Rainbows, The King of Limbs is nothing like its predecessor. This album is dominated mostly by Thom Yorke’s eerie piano playing and Phil Selway’s electronic drum patterns which drive the songs forward.
Give up the Ghost is an exception to this though, being the only acoustic guitar track on the album. Thom Yorke’s voice is beautifully haunting, a perfect connection with the title. The words “Don’t haunt me” are repeated throughout the song, layered with the main vocal part. “Gather up the lost and sold/in your arms”.
Lotus Flower is the first single off the album, with a music video that shows off Thom’s serious dancing skills. The song itself is probably the most radio-friendly of the lot. Still with many electronica elements, Lotus Flower is not as ‘experimental’ as many of the other tracks but yet it remains one of the strongest on the album. Thom’s falsetto here is simply beautiful, and it glides along perfectly with the snappy drums and jazzy bass line from Colin Greenwood. “There’s an empty space inside my heart/where the weeds take root/and now I’ll set you free.”
My personal favourite is the melancholic but enchanting Codex. Just Thom and his piano, simplistic but captivatingly brilliant. “Jump off the end/into a clear lake/no one around” He serenades the listener with these stunning vocals. Codex is reminiscent of Pyramid Song from Amnesiac, another beautiful piano ballad to close your eyes and drift off to.
The last song of the stand out songs on The King of Limbs is Feral. Unlike the other tracks, it’s almost an instrumental piece. There is a clear dubstep/drum and bass influence here. The drums are the main part of the song, and the bass kicks in, binding it together. Radiohead’s electronic side at its finest.
The King of Limbs is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. The album is predominately electronica and for anyone who didn’t like Kid A or Amnesiac, I doubt this will be to your taste. But for anyone who is willing to embrace the more experimental Radiohead, this album is perfect. Though, it is definitely a grower – initially I was sceptical about it. After the excitement of the first few listens passed, I was unsure what to think of it. But I stuck with it, and after several listens I found I couldn’t stop myself pressing the play button. The King of Limbs is not Radiohead’s best work, but it is most certainly an album worth buying. It’s a new Radiohead, a far cry from the crowd-pleasing OK Computer era. It’s the next step in their ever-changing song writing abilities, and the shortness of the album seems completely irrelevant after hearing some of the beautiful pieces The King of Limbs contains. A sure case of quality over quantity, and an album which will sit proudly in the CD collection of any Radiohead fan.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Dirty Money.
The process in which Tar Sands are created are like Lady Gaga's song "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich". First the "Beautiful" lush landscape of Canada's Alberta region is completely turned inside out, forests are demolished, tonnes of dirt overturned and the rivers polluted. This is the "Dirty" exploitation of the land for Canada's fossil fuels (crude bitumen) by the "Rich" companies who are making obscene amounts of money by polluting Alberta’s air, rivers, ecosystems, people and our climate.
Lush the fresh handmade cosmetics shop or known to many disgruntled men "that smelly shop" are known for their fresh handmade products, ethically sourced ingredients and captivating campaigns. Some of their most outlandish campaigns have included; hanging one member of staff by fishing hooks in protest of shark hunting and staff stripping off in aid of "naked products”. I knew that Lush were big into their flashy campaigns but what I didn't realise was how much they believe in everything they say and campaign about.
The exploitation of Canada's Tar Sands is the latest campaign that Lush NA and Lush UK are taking a loud and very proud stand against. Lush stores across the UK and Ireland are voicing their concerns as only Lush knows how; they are quite literally pouring oil over one of their lovely sales assistants to create a crude awakening into the public domain. This will be happening on March 3rd 2011.
Why should we care about Canada's Tar Sands? Apart from the 65,000 km of forests destroyed, toxic laden lagoons which can be seen from outer space, communities living downstream who are suffering from increased cancer rates or the 2 trillion (yes, trillion) barrels of oil which have been produced by destroying an area larger than Florida, we care because this destructive oil could soon be reaching European shores if we don't.
It’s our appetite for environmental destruction which has led to "fossil fuels supplying 86% of the world's energy" (Wiki). This hunger for faster lives has caused the demand for the creation of the Tar Sands. I believe that we can stop this corrosive project and draw a line in the (Tar) sand, as there are so many environmentally friendly and clean alternatives to these toxic fossil fuels, including renewable energy like solar and wind, taking public transport or switching to green energy suppliers. These can be the first steps towards a greener future and putting an end to this Tarmageddon.
Why should we care about Canada's Tar Sands? Apart from the 65,000 km of forests destroyed, toxic laden lagoons which can be seen from outer space, communities living downstream who are suffering from increased cancer rates or the 2 trillion (yes, trillion) barrels of oil which have been produced by destroying an area larger than Florida, we care because this destructive oil could soon be reaching European shores if we don't.
It’s our appetite for environmental destruction which has led to "fossil fuels supplying 86% of the world's energy" (Wiki). This hunger for faster lives has caused the demand for the creation of the Tar Sands. I believe that we can stop this corrosive project and draw a line in the (Tar) sand, as there are so many environmentally friendly and clean alternatives to these toxic fossil fuels, including renewable energy like solar and wind, taking public transport or switching to green energy suppliers. These can be the first steps towards a greener future and putting an end to this Tarmageddon.
MEGAN McEVOY-WARR, Environment Journalist
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Interview with Peter Fitzpatrick (Fine Gael)
Interview with Peter Fitzpatrick (Fine Gael) "I never thought I'd get over the 7000, I'm lucky that I got so many of Sinn Fein's 152 votes, but I know myself, I'm fighting for the fourth seat, it's between myself and Fianna Fail. All I need is a bit of luck and for people's votes to be for me and I'll be in with a good chance to get the 2nd Fine Gael seat"
ANDREW MCKEOWN, Political editor
ANDREW MCKEOWN, Political editor
Interview with Paddy Malone (Fine Gael Louth Chairman)
ANDREW MCKEOWN, Political Editor,
Irish Youth times editor Andrew McKeown asked Paddy Malone what he thought of the 2nd count. He stated that "There's nothing of significance in this count and we won't see any patterns until Dearey is eliminated and his votes are shared out." He added that "Clare and Matthews' votes wll be interesting to see, if they'll go to Fine Gael or to elsewhere in the county to Nash." When asked if he was surprised that Gerry Adams topped the pole, he told us "no, this has always been a Republican area and It's not surprising. My first election was the '81 election when the H block were elected. I think this is amplified by the fact that people are frustrated, 'plague in your houses', and Sinn Fein has gained many of those votes. I think that these votes are mischannelled, however, as a party of protest isn't as much good as a party in government, like Fine Gael."
Irish Youth times editor Andrew McKeown asked Paddy Malone what he thought of the 2nd count. He stated that "There's nothing of significance in this count and we won't see any patterns until Dearey is eliminated and his votes are shared out." He added that "Clare and Matthews' votes wll be interesting to see, if they'll go to Fine Gael or to elsewhere in the county to Nash." When asked if he was surprised that Gerry Adams topped the pole, he told us "no, this has always been a Republican area and It's not surprising. My first election was the '81 election when the H block were elected. I think this is amplified by the fact that people are frustrated, 'plague in your houses', and Sinn Fein has gained many of those votes. I think that these votes are mischannelled, however, as a party of protest isn't as much good as a party in government, like Fine Gael."
Ged Nash (Labour) Interview, after 2nd count
ANDREW McKEOWN, Political editor
When asked how he felt after the 2nd count, Ged Nash told the Irish Youth Times that "I'm really pleased about where we are at the moment, we set to win this seat and it looks likely that we will at this stage." He added that he did not sure of what count Labour would attain the seat but that the vote for Labour had quadroupled since 2002. He paid tribute to his running mate, Mary Moran.
He expected Labour to gain seats in the region of the mid to late thirties, which would be a record fot the Labour party, the previous being 33 seats in 1992. "People are clearly rallying to Labour and we've virtualy doubled our reprentation in Dail Éireann."
3rd count to follow.
When asked how he felt after the 2nd count, Ged Nash told the Irish Youth Times that "I'm really pleased about where we are at the moment, we set to win this seat and it looks likely that we will at this stage." He added that he did not sure of what count Labour would attain the seat but that the vote for Labour had quadroupled since 2002. He paid tribute to his running mate, Mary Moran.
He expected Labour to gain seats in the region of the mid to late thirties, which would be a record fot the Labour party, the previous being 33 seats in 1992. "People are clearly rallying to Labour and we've virtualy doubled our reprentation in Dail Éireann."
3rd count to follow.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day of Days
LIAM BLUNDELL, political commentator
With one day to go…
Some last minute decision making will be done by many voters, young and old alike, in the final day preceeding this election, which could well earn the title of the most important in the history of the State. The political candidates will be out in force and as we have seen from the previous articles, polls and news updates; Fine Gael could be in for a first one party government since 1987, when Haughey led Fianna Fáil in the 25th Dáil.
Now, 6 Dáil elections later and one in the throws of its imminent birth we find ourselves at the last week of canvassing. Who will get the chance to impliment their policies to rectify the mess left by the previous three Governments? Will it be the favourites, Fine Gael and Enda Kenny, to take the helm of the sinking ship, kept only from the choppy seas by the IMF and EU lifevests? Will it be the Labour Party? Has the “Gilmore Gale “ one last gust left before the 25th of February? Or will Sinn Féin stun the majority and form it’s first Government? Not very likely considering the lead Enda Kenny has built up over the course of this electoral campaign. Michéal Martin has salvaged what is left of the devastated Fianna Fáil, who’s destiny seems to lie in the doldrums.
So lets have a brief run-down of the political parties main policies against each other:
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail would both increase the college fees if elected. nLabour and Sinn Féin would reverse the minimum wage cut and want a greater empasis on tax. Fine Gael would abolish the HSE completely with the others keeping it but with a total re-organisation. My own opinion on this is the HSE needs a total wipeout with less bureacracy (I know some is needed to run the damned thing) and more emphasis on patient care as individuals rather than just a patient being a statistic. All parties agree on dealing with negative equity, albeit differently. Fianna Fáil and the Greens are the only two parties who would not renegotiate with some bank bondholders, Labour, Sinn Féin and Fine Gael would and the three major parties finally agree on something, renegotiate the interest rate paid to the ESF.
Ok, so it wasn’t very brief after all. All I can say is, if I were voting in this election, I would take some sound advice from Jesse Jackson, heard yesterday on RTE Radio 1 and not to vote with rage, but vote with passion.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Is Labour the catalyst to Ireland's revival?
On Friday the 18th. of February, Irish Youth Times editor Andrew McKeown and Political correspondent Tom Lawlor met with Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore.
ANDREW McKEOWN, Political Editor
I was when I was comtemplating how opposites can come together; how their respective basic elements bounce off each other; do opposites attract; can elements which have such differences in their nature co-exist in a stable environmnet. Yes, you have guessed it ... I was in chemistry class. It was during this class that I learned from a classmate that Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore was in town on canvasing tour. To fulfil my duty as a journalist , I attained permission to leave school to report and Tom and I made our way to the Town square, Dundalk.
Gilmore's campaign bus (emblazoned with the slogan step on board for mental health) was parked at the square and surrounded by members of the party, public and press. We introduced ourselves to the press officer and were kindly given time with Gilmore for a short interview.
When asked by IYT journalist why young people should vote for Labour, Gilmore replied "we want this country to have a future and our priority is job creation". He stated that Labour wish to prevent the emmigration of the youth of Ireland. "For the country to succeed in the future, our people must be well educated".
Gilmore stated that his party would reverse the minimum wage cut if elected into government as labour "disagree fundamentally with cutting pay from the lowest paid, you should start at the top. The wage must be sufficient to provide incentive for people to work."
We then asked, in reference to the slogan on his campaign bus, what Labour would do to support youth mental health iniatives. Gilmore told us that his party is, to his knowledge, the only party to publish a seperate policy on the matter. Mr. Gilmore told us that the best way to tackle the rising mental health issues is to prevent them before they become problems. "The Labour party is committed to the prevention of homophobic bullying, to general bulying in our schools and they should be dealt with straight away."
Our interview with Gilmore led me to ponder in Chemistry class 'Is Labour the catalyst to Ireland's revival or will it cause unwanted reactions?'
ANDREW McKEOWN, Political Editor
I was when I was comtemplating how opposites can come together; how their respective basic elements bounce off each other; do opposites attract; can elements which have such differences in their nature co-exist in a stable environmnet. Yes, you have guessed it ... I was in chemistry class. It was during this class that I learned from a classmate that Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore was in town on canvasing tour. To fulfil my duty as a journalist , I attained permission to leave school to report and Tom and I made our way to the Town square, Dundalk.
Gilmore's campaign bus (emblazoned with the slogan step on board for mental health) was parked at the square and surrounded by members of the party, public and press. We introduced ourselves to the press officer and were kindly given time with Gilmore for a short interview.
When asked by IYT journalist why young people should vote for Labour, Gilmore replied "we want this country to have a future and our priority is job creation". He stated that Labour wish to prevent the emmigration of the youth of Ireland. "For the country to succeed in the future, our people must be well educated".
Gilmore stated that his party would reverse the minimum wage cut if elected into government as labour "disagree fundamentally with cutting pay from the lowest paid, you should start at the top. The wage must be sufficient to provide incentive for people to work."
We then asked, in reference to the slogan on his campaign bus, what Labour would do to support youth mental health iniatives. Gilmore told us that his party is, to his knowledge, the only party to publish a seperate policy on the matter. Mr. Gilmore told us that the best way to tackle the rising mental health issues is to prevent them before they become problems. "The Labour party is committed to the prevention of homophobic bullying, to general bulying in our schools and they should be dealt with straight away."
Our interview with Gilmore led me to ponder in Chemistry class 'Is Labour the catalyst to Ireland's revival or will it cause unwanted reactions?'
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Will Fine Gael really answer Ireland's call when the whistle blows?
ANDREW B. MCKEOWN, Editor
Today, Sunday 20th February, around 1,000 people gathered in the Atrium of the Aviva stadium for the last of a series of Fine Gael public meetings. Party leader Enda Kenny was joined on stage by the FG Dublin candidates and spoke of Fine Gael’s Five point plan, summarised as:1.Protecting and Creating Jobs
2. Introducing Better, Fairer Budgets to keep taxes low
3. Creating a completely New Health System
4. A Smaller, Better Government
5. Transforming the Political System
2. Introducing Better, Fairer Budgets to keep taxes low
3. Creating a completely New Health System
4. A Smaller, Better Government
5. Transforming the Political System
“There is hope and, on Friday, the Irish people can vote for a plan to get Ireland working”, Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny, told a public meeting in the Aviva Stadium today. Lucinda Creighton likened Fine Gael to the Aviva stadium itself, declaring that FG is made of a combination of hard work, inspiration and action. There were several more sports references, with George Hook and Enda Kenny both referring to FG’s “team” and Enda said that “Fine Gael will always answer Ireland’s call”
The atrium was filled with cheering Fine Gael supporters who ardently showed their support for the party leader who, as told by George Hook “raised the tattered party standard and raised it higher than before”. Enda stated that “On Friday, I’m asking people to vote with pride. Pride in who we are and in what we can be. I’m asking people to turn their anger into action and vote proudly for something, not against” Enda promised reform and a freedom from the fetters of the corruption of the old economic system which had “Micháel Martin’s fingerprints all over it” . The party speakers promised to “change Ireland with the permission and mandate of the people” and assured the potential voters of the honesty, industriousness and integrity of their candidates. Enda Kenny said he will not draw any money from his teachers pension, and has challenged Fianna Fail leader Micháel Martin to resign from his own teaching position in the morning. Mr Kenny also professed that he will not accept any money from his teachers pension despite 'paying into it for many years.'
Enda Kenny was responding to comments on This Week on RTÉ Radio 1 by Mr. Martin that he should explain what he intended to do about a €100,000 payment he was entitled to from his pension fund. During his speech today Mr Kenny included a rebuttal: “I have not drawn one red cent from my teaching position in over two decades”, he said he had resigned from his post many years ago and it had been filled by a 'full time' teacher. 'Mr Kenny, a former school teacher, spent several years teaching before becoming a full time politician.
When the speech was over, Enda was surrounded by the Fine Gael youth, who donned yellow t-shirts emblazoned with the Fine Gael logo and wielded signs of Fine Gael's 5 point plan. These young fanatics reminded me of the Blueshirts of the past, who kept the media and crowd at bay. Thankfully, due to my fairly short stature and crowd infiltrating skills, I managed to get past these zealous soldiers to ask FG leader Enda Kenny a qyestion. When put with the question of why young people should vote for Fine Gael, Mr. Kenny told Irish Youth Time reporters Andrew McKeown and Tom Lawlor that “ they should vote for Fine Gael because we’re addressing the needs of our young people, we’re very proud of them, our focus is entirely on jobs and career oppurtunities. We want to send a message out to those who are away and abroad to watch this space because we’re going to change the way that business is done in Ireland. That’s why they should vote for Fine Gael.” He promised to all present that “If you honour us, I will guarantee that we will deliver”
Support for Fine Gael has increased since the election campaign began, according to recent polls, which also shows that Enda Kenny is now the preferred choice for Taoiseach.
When the speech was over, Enda was surrounded by the Fine Gael youth, who donned yellow t-shirts emblazoned with the Fine Gael logo and wielded signs of Fine Gael's 5 point plan. These young fanatics reminded me of the Blueshirts of the past, who kept the media and crowd at bay. Thankfully, due to my fairly short stature and crowd infiltrating skills, I managed to get past these zealous soldiers to ask FG leader Enda Kenny a qyestion. When put with the question of why young people should vote for Fine Gael, Mr. Kenny told Irish Youth Time reporters Andrew McKeown and Tom Lawlor that “ they should vote for Fine Gael because we’re addressing the needs of our young people, we’re very proud of them, our focus is entirely on jobs and career oppurtunities. We want to send a message out to those who are away and abroad to watch this space because we’re going to change the way that business is done in Ireland. That’s why they should vote for Fine Gael.” He promised to all present that “If you honour us, I will guarantee that we will deliver”
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Health and Education.
24% of 15-year-olds are effectively illiterate.
100,000- number of school children in classes of over 30 pupils.
569- Number of patients on trolleys and chairs in emergency departments on January 5th 2011.
1,045- number of hospital beds that were closef at the end of October 2010.
Sources: OECD, Department of Education and skills, The Irish Times, HSE, Department of Health
100,000- number of school children in classes of over 30 pupils.
569- Number of patients on trolleys and chairs in emergency departments on January 5th 2011.
1,045- number of hospital beds that were closef at the end of October 2010.
Sources: OECD, Department of Education and skills, The Irish Times, HSE, Department of Health
An interview with Cllr. Declan Breathnach (FF)
TOM LAWLOR, Political Correspondent,
On a cold Tuesday morning, on February fifteenth, Editor Andrew McKeown and I paid a visit to the office of Louth County Councillor and Fíanna Fáil T.D. candidate for North Louth, Declan Breathnach.
On a cold Tuesday morning, on February fifteenth, Editor Andrew McKeown and I paid a visit to the office of Louth County Councillor and Fíanna Fáil T.D. candidate for North Louth, Declan Breathnach.
Councillor Breathnach was very busy with his election campaign, but managed to fit us in for a 10 minute interview. As the parties are in full swing election mode, we opened with the question of why young people should vote for Fíanna Fáil, rather than the opposition parties. He cited the current condition of Dundalk town, and the surrounding area, "My view on that whole issue is that all you have to do is look around you, in this town of Dundalk and indeed this county. Wise investment has been made..." Citing the €38,000,000 extension to the P.J. Carroll building and referring to the infrastructure across the county as a "testament to Fíanna Fáil."
He did, however, allow that "People will always focus on the issues of discontent, and they are right to discontented at this minute in time," but re-affirming that Fíanna Fáil had "...stood this country, and indeed this region (Louth) in good stead in terms of investment in infrastructure and in terms of job creation," taking the opportunity to mention the Mullharlin Business Park, and the recent announcement that they have outlined planning permission for two advanced biocpharmacist factories, thanks to the marketing of the I.D.A. (Industrial Development Agency).
He believes that Flanna Fáil have set up this region to blossom in the post economic uncertainty, despite the hindrance of the banking crisis, which he admits "Certainly Fíanna Fáil have to take the blame for taking their eye off the regulator and taking their eye off the banks, but throughout all of that, I think wise investment has been made..." "....taking their eye off the banks" is probably nothing close to how other parties would describe Fíanna Fáil's handling of the banks, but Councillor Breathnach is very adamant in his view of Louth's post-recession prosperity. Many of the people of this county might disagree with Cllr. Breathnach and there are those amongst the public who believe that Fíanna Fáil have crippled the national and local economy.
Continuing this line of questioning, editor Andrew McKeown asked, "What would you do to improve the lives of Young People, if elected." Councillor Breathnach proclaimed himself a strong advocate for young people, and he says he is of the opinion that young people have a lot more to offer. "I believe that that mix of the wise head and the young head, has a lot to offer." He is a strong advocate of things like T.Y., believing that young people need to take a bigger role in community organisations, like sport, charity and even Tidy Towns.
He thinks that education system also needs to change to allow the under rated skills of young people to flourish, saying that he has often argued at County Developement board and County Enterprise board level that we are losing the skilled mix of our youth in the education system, in terms of multimedia, computing and musical capability. He gave us an example of how he believes this issue could be addressed in this region, thinking that the new multimedia facilities in the DKIT should be available to secondary school students. "You people are the employers of the future," carefully adding, "and I'm not faulting the education system in saying that, but I do feel you need a greater output to exercise those skills"
He thinks that education system also needs to change to allow the under rated skills of young people to flourish, saying that he has often argued at County Developement board and County Enterprise board level that we are losing the skilled mix of our youth in the education system, in terms of multimedia, computing and musical capability. He gave us an example of how he believes this issue could be addressed in this region, thinking that the new multimedia facilities in the DKIT should be available to secondary school students. "You people are the employers of the future," carefully adding, "and I'm not faulting the education system in saying that, but I do feel you need a greater output to exercise those skills"
As we knew that Cllr. Breathnach had been involved in Education for 32 years, this seemed like an appropriate time to branch into questions on the education sector. We questioned him on the Croake Park agreement, on the size of redundancies. His first point was on the Special Needs Assistants (S.N.A's). He was of the opinion that "too many S.N.A's were employed in the good times, and that has become unsustainable in the current economic downturn.”
The INTO has said primary teachers were extremely concerned at reductions in SNA levels in primary schools. The union said the inclusion of special needs children in schools requires adequate staffing to meet both the educational and the care needs of these children. Sheila Nunan, general secretary of the INTO said cutbacks in care staff will affect the education of all children in mainstream classes and have the potential to limit the ability of schools to integrate special needs children in schools. And with average primary school class sizes in Ireland being 24 (closer to 30 when you factor in the fact that resource teachers are included, despite not taking full classes) compared to 20 in Europe, we are inclined to agree that special needs students could fall through the cracks in the larger classes.
Cllr. Breathnach told us that the leader of his party, Mícheál Martin, had stated that Education was a sector that would not receive any further cuts, which Cllr. Breathnach welcomed. A view shared no doubt, by the INTO, although a statement met with scepticism by a union who feel, undoubtably alienated. He believes that "we should try to minimise any further impact, but I think it's recognised that we al have to take pain, including those in the education sector."
When put with a question of the perceived disproportionate pay cuts with regards to teachers and civil servants as opposed to cabinet ministers, Cllr. Breathnach told us that we were talking about "different salary scales" and said that "it is recognised that ministers have taken a fairly large percentage cut in their wages like teachers and everybody else." An arguement we are sure the general public may not be too eager to totally agree with. He also told us that there is a "promise of reform of the Dáil system" and that he "wouldn't have a problem with further cuts in ministerial salaries", adding "I do think that the Dail has overpaid itself."
Later we pushed on, inquiring about the cap being placed on the pay of new teachers, with a possibility of new teachers being asked to work unpaid, indefinitely, and what he thought of the bad economics of investing in the education of these new teachers, and possibly losing them as an asset when they turn to emigration. Cllr. Breathnach answered "It is unfortunate, but the reality is, if you look at teachers pay in this country relative to our near neighbours in England, teachers start on a very high rung of the ladder here. The minister for finance and the government have to take difficult decisions.... but the reality is we have to cut the cloth to suit the measure." A hard line. One which some people would not be inclined to agree with, feeling that the 'cloth' is not being cut equally on all sides. He lightened the situation by suggesting that trainee teachers could complete there qualifications by community employment schemes with Fás.
An bhfuil tusa ag labhairt liomsa?
GRÁINNE LOUGHRAN,
Bhuel, an bhfuil? Considering the fact that most of us were learning to speak Irish since before we’d fully mastered our “s’s”, the number of us that don’t even have basic conversational Irish is pretty appalling. We’ve got the signs on the roads and, if we’re pushed, we can say the Hail Mary to show off our Gaeilge when we’re abroad, but why is it that the number of Irish people who can actually speak Irish is declining so rapidly?
Bhuel, an bhfuil? Considering the fact that most of us were learning to speak Irish since before we’d fully mastered our “s’s”, the number of us that don’t even have basic conversational Irish is pretty appalling. We’ve got the signs on the roads and, if we’re pushed, we can say the Hail Mary to show off our Gaeilge when we’re abroad, but why is it that the number of Irish people who can actually speak Irish is declining so rapidly?
The Big Three brawl over Economy and Jobs
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin challenged Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to explain what he professed was a €5bn 'black hole' in the party's statistics.Mr Kenny said there was no black hole and that it was Mr Martin who 'had the explaining to do' after his role in the Fianna Fail Government in the past 14 years, saying “his thumbprints and fingerprints” were all over the economic chaos that the country is in. Mr Martin and Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore accused Fine Gael of hiding the details of the cuts it says it would make in Government. Mr Gilmore said it was impossible to cut €10bn out of the economy over three years without doing damage to employment and economic growth.
The TG4 debate will be broadcasted as Geailge with English subtitles at 7.00 p.m tonight
-Andrew B. McKeown
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The vote at 16?
TOM LAWLOR, Political Correspondent
With the general election looming, many young people are feeling disgruntled and misrepresented. Of course, the argument against the lowering of the voting age is that too many young people are out of touch from the issues and politics surrounding the country.
However now, of all general elections, I believe that the youth have something to say, but are being prevented from voicing there opinions. With the current economic climate, the policies of the next government will decide the future of our youth, and even determine how many of the 'Celtic Tiger Cubs' emigrate to the likes of Australia.
For example, many young people aspire to a career in teaching, in admiration for the great work done by their current teachers. But Fíanna Faíl are currently proposing to have new teachers work unpaid. A policy any young aspiring teacher would be very much opposed to, but cannot show their opinions by voting.
Another example would be Fine Gael's policy on mandatory Irish study for Leaving Certificate students. Some opposed, some against, but the principle of the matter is one that concerns the youth, and yet they cannot vote!
The National Youth Council of Ireland’s Vote at 16 campaign group met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee recently, but it is a little too late for the under 18's hoping to vote in one of the most important general elections in the history of the state!
More and more young people are forming their own opinions and taking responsibility for their own lives. Under 18's can join the army, work a full time job, see a G.P. and even be taxed! The slogan of the American war of independence 'no taxation without representation' seems very adequate. It's time the youth could, in my opinion, also VOTE in our 'Democracy.'
With the general election looming, many young people are feeling disgruntled and misrepresented. Of course, the argument against the lowering of the voting age is that too many young people are out of touch from the issues and politics surrounding the country.
However now, of all general elections, I believe that the youth have something to say, but are being prevented from voicing there opinions. With the current economic climate, the policies of the next government will decide the future of our youth, and even determine how many of the 'Celtic Tiger Cubs' emigrate to the likes of Australia.
For example, many young people aspire to a career in teaching, in admiration for the great work done by their current teachers. But Fíanna Faíl are currently proposing to have new teachers work unpaid. A policy any young aspiring teacher would be very much opposed to, but cannot show their opinions by voting.
Another example would be Fine Gael's policy on mandatory Irish study for Leaving Certificate students. Some opposed, some against, but the principle of the matter is one that concerns the youth, and yet they cannot vote!
The National Youth Council of Ireland’s Vote at 16 campaign group met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee recently, but it is a little too late for the under 18's hoping to vote in one of the most important general elections in the history of the state!
More and more young people are forming their own opinions and taking responsibility for their own lives. Under 18's can join the army, work a full time job, see a G.P. and even be taxed! The slogan of the American war of independence 'no taxation without representation' seems very adequate. It's time the youth could, in my opinion, also VOTE in our 'Democracy.'
Let's talk suicide
ANDREW MCKEOWN, Editor
Suicide will claim the lives of over 500 people this year, twice the amount killed in road accidents, and yet suicide prevention schemes only receive 10% of the funding that road accident prevention schemes receive. Calls to the Samaritan, aware and Headstrong are on the rise. Research has shown that with proper support, suicide can be prevented.
The Facts about suicide:
•Most people who kill themselves have given definite warnings of their intent.
•Many suicides occur in a period of improvement when the person has enough energy and the will to turn despairing thoughts into delf destructive action.
•suicide occura in all groups in society.
•Most suicidal people are ambivalent about living and dying: they gamble with death but may retain the desire to live.
•It can happen to anyone.
•Suicidal thoughts may return, but they are not permanent, and in some people they may never return.
To help a suicidal person, show that you really care. Be non-judgmental. Talk openly about suicide. If the risk seems high, stay with the suicidal person until the crisis has passed or until help arrives.
•9,218- the amount of people treated for self harm in hospital in 2008.
•1 in every 156 adolescent girls were treated for deliberate self harm.
•9% of boys between 15-19 tried to hang themselves.
•42% of all cases involved alcohol.
We must act to stem the rising tide of suicides. We are losing great people every week to this menace, all of whom can be saved. If you or someone you know is suicidal, or you believe they may be, you can contact any of the following:
info@aware.ie
Info@headstrong.ie
The Samaritans
Because life is too precious. Cherish it.
Suicide will claim the lives of over 500 people this year, twice the amount killed in road accidents, and yet suicide prevention schemes only receive 10% of the funding that road accident prevention schemes receive. Calls to the Samaritan, aware and Headstrong are on the rise. Research has shown that with proper support, suicide can be prevented.
The Facts about suicide:
•Most people who kill themselves have given definite warnings of their intent.
•Many suicides occur in a period of improvement when the person has enough energy and the will to turn despairing thoughts into delf destructive action.
•suicide occura in all groups in society.
•Most suicidal people are ambivalent about living and dying: they gamble with death but may retain the desire to live.
•It can happen to anyone.
•Suicidal thoughts may return, but they are not permanent, and in some people they may never return.
To help a suicidal person, show that you really care. Be non-judgmental. Talk openly about suicide. If the risk seems high, stay with the suicidal person until the crisis has passed or until help arrives.
•9,218- the amount of people treated for self harm in hospital in 2008.
•1 in every 156 adolescent girls were treated for deliberate self harm.
•9% of boys between 15-19 tried to hang themselves.
•42% of all cases involved alcohol.
We must act to stem the rising tide of suicides. We are losing great people every week to this menace, all of whom can be saved. If you or someone you know is suicidal, or you believe they may be, you can contact any of the following:
info@aware.ie
Info@headstrong.ie
The Samaritans
Because life is too precious. Cherish it.
The Banks
€60bn: the size of the "black hole" at Irish banks after their losses
€30bn: the amount the state paid through NAMA for 11,000 property loans
€20.3bn-€25.3bn: the cost of bailing out Anglo Irish Bank
€85bn: cost of the financial aid from the EU and IMF.
Sources:Department of Finance, Financial Regulator, Central bank, memorandum of understanding with the EU/IMF and the National Asset Management Agency.
-Andrew B.McKeown
€30bn: the amount the state paid through NAMA for 11,000 property loans
€20.3bn-€25.3bn: the cost of bailing out Anglo Irish Bank
€85bn: cost of the financial aid from the EU and IMF.
Sources:Department of Finance, Financial Regulator, Central bank, memorandum of understanding with the EU/IMF and the National Asset Management Agency.
-Andrew B.McKeown
Creative Writing
LIAM DURNIN, AARON MCGAHON
Over the course of TY, we participated in a creative writing competition at Appletree Foundation hosted by South African novelist Nadia Williams. Together with groups of TY students from other local secondary schools, we are working to produce a collection of short students from other local secondary schools, we worked to produce a collection of short stories and poetry which contain contributions from each of us. We learned so much about character development and setting, as well as crafting a story that will interest the reader from beginning to end, which is another great skill for tje leaving cert!
Of course, there are many othwr services on offer in the Appletree foundation, including counselling and advice, and the staff are so enthusiastic and helpful. We rate our experience with Appeltree 10/10. Go appletree!
Over the course of TY, we participated in a creative writing competition at Appletree Foundation hosted by South African novelist Nadia Williams. Together with groups of TY students from other local secondary schools, we are working to produce a collection of short students from other local secondary schools, we worked to produce a collection of short stories and poetry which contain contributions from each of us. We learned so much about character development and setting, as well as crafting a story that will interest the reader from beginning to end, which is another great skill for tje leaving cert!
Of course, there are many othwr services on offer in the Appletree foundation, including counselling and advice, and the staff are so enthusiastic and helpful. We rate our experience with Appeltree 10/10. Go appletree!
Junior Science Olympiad
Transition year will certainly be a year that Jonathan Lynn will remember. In November 2009, Jonathan participated in the Irish Junior Science Olympiad in DCU, sitting through a grueling three-hour examination that focused on Biology, Physics and Chemistry and emerged victorious as he secured his place as one of the six students to compete for Ireland at International level in Azerbaijan in December.
Competing in the individual section in The World Junior Science Olympiaad in Azerbaijan was an amazing experience for Jonathan as he mingled with the top science students from around the world. The blend of personalities and culture as well as the experience of the challenge of competition itself was certainly something that he will never forget. Jonathan arrived home from Azerbaijan sporting a bronze medal, which places him in the top 3% in the world in his category. St. Mary's College, particurly the TY group of 09-10, joins with his parents in being extremely proud of him. Congtatulations Jonathan.
Competing in the individual section in The World Junior Science Olympiaad in Azerbaijan was an amazing experience for Jonathan as he mingled with the top science students from around the world. The blend of personalities and culture as well as the experience of the challenge of competition itself was certainly something that he will never forget. Jonathan arrived home from Azerbaijan sporting a bronze medal, which places him in the top 3% in the world in his category. St. Mary's College, particurly the TY group of 09-10, joins with his parents in being extremely proud of him. Congtatulations Jonathan.
The Appletree foundation
LIAM DURNIN, AARON MCGAHON,
Hey there everyone, we're here today to talk to you about the Appletree Foundation, situated in Roden House between the library and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Appletree Foundation is a facility that is underused in our opinion and we are delighted to get the chance to show what it offers the youth of Dundalk.
Pearl Deary, the "leader of el Appletree", tries to keep her finger on the pulse of what young peoe in Dundalk can benefit from. Over the years she has provided workshops on 'Music appreciation' and 'Radio presenting'. Twi of the courses we have been involved in were a film-making module and a creative writing workshop.
In the film-making module, we learned how to use various camera angles, tips on script writing and reading, and acting skills. All in all we learned what it's like to make a professional film, what decisions are made to get the perfect shot and how specific you have to be to create the illusion of real life on screen. With film studies being a module in the Leaving cert, experimenting wirh this genre was time well spent. We'll be writing more about Creative writing when we have the course done. Go appletree!
Hey there everyone, we're here today to talk to you about the Appletree Foundation, situated in Roden House between the library and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Appletree Foundation is a facility that is underused in our opinion and we are delighted to get the chance to show what it offers the youth of Dundalk.
Pearl Deary, the "leader of el Appletree", tries to keep her finger on the pulse of what young peoe in Dundalk can benefit from. Over the years she has provided workshops on 'Music appreciation' and 'Radio presenting'. Twi of the courses we have been involved in were a film-making module and a creative writing workshop.
In the film-making module, we learned how to use various camera angles, tips on script writing and reading, and acting skills. All in all we learned what it's like to make a professional film, what decisions are made to get the perfect shot and how specific you have to be to create the illusion of real life on screen. With film studies being a module in the Leaving cert, experimenting wirh this genre was time well spent. We'll be writing more about Creative writing when we have the course done. Go appletree!
Irish Youth time takes to the streets-The Junior cert.
What's your opinion on the Junior cert?
"I think that the juniir cert should be kept because it's preperation for the Leaving Cert and it teaches you study skills. Plus the weeks of the junior cert are the best weeks of your life doing exams." -Aoife Minnock, 17
"It's good and bad. Bad because you dread doing it but good because three years of work pays off in the end." -Teresa McGrath, 16
"I feel that the junior cert should be kept because I'm doing it this year and I don't want to be the last one to do it." - Josh Gribben, 15
Published in Neon magazine, St. Louis TY mini company, in February 2010
"I think that the juniir cert should be kept because it's preperation for the Leaving Cert and it teaches you study skills. Plus the weeks of the junior cert are the best weeks of your life doing exams." -Aoife Minnock, 17
"It's good and bad. Bad because you dread doing it but good because three years of work pays off in the end." -Teresa McGrath, 16
"I feel that the junior cert should be kept because I'm doing it this year and I don't want to be the last one to do it." - Josh Gribben, 15
Published in Neon magazine, St. Louis TY mini company, in February 2010
Physician, heal thyself.
ANDREW MCKEOWN, Editor
I was one of the few lucky teenagers in Ireland who were lucky enough to be offered an invaluable insight ino Medicine and the life of a doctor with a week long woek experience with The Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) and Beaumont hospital.
On Monday, 18th January, I arrived at the Royal College of Surgeons, Stephen's Green. There we received a Health and Safety lecture (yawn), filled out some forms and got through some administrative bureaucratic nonsense. Then, the real fun began. We undertook practial classes in Pharmacology (the chemistry of drugs) and Physiotherapy,
On Tuesday, we were stationed at Beaumont hospital. We worked with Cardiologists, looing at cases of Myocardial Infarctions (MI), and talked to a cardiac surgeon about stints and bypasses. Later that day we worked with Pathologists, exaamining growths and tumour cells, practiced clinical skills such as reading x-rays, usisng opthalmoscopes and aurascopes, measuring blood pressure and even drawing blood! We undertook a module on Forensic Medicine with state pathologist Marie Cassidy, where we looked at the effects of decompostion on the human body and about the crustaceans and maggots that feed on it.... Thankfully it was after lunch.
On Thursday, we started off with a lecture on advanced trauma life support, which included talking about gruesome cases of evisceration, disembowelment and the likes. A few people fainted, so perhaps Medicine is not for them! We had a lecture in pyschiatry to finish the day. Psychiatry is....... interesing.
We finished off our week in RCSI on the Friday. We received a lecture given by Cystic Fibrosis patients and their doctors. We learned of Isoleucine, Phenylaline, Glycine and Valine (they're necleotides, not drugs). We also attended a whistlestop tour of human anatomy with an oldschool professor and Q&A time with Operation smile, a great charity that sens doctors and nurses to developing countries to operate on cleft lips and palettes for free.
After an excellent week, I know a lot more about the lives of doctors and nurses, While some may think that it is fun to saunter around a hospital in a white coat, with good pay to boot, there is an awesome responsibility that comes with it. The doctor must always remember that they are treating a petient and not a fever chart or a cancerous growth, whose illness may affect their family and economic stability. A true doctor must adhere to the Hippocraic oath, have a firm understanding of science and physiology but, most importantly, a kind heart.
I was one of the few lucky teenagers in Ireland who were lucky enough to be offered an invaluable insight ino Medicine and the life of a doctor with a week long woek experience with The Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) and Beaumont hospital.
On Monday, 18th January, I arrived at the Royal College of Surgeons, Stephen's Green. There we received a Health and Safety lecture (yawn), filled out some forms and got through some administrative bureaucratic nonsense. Then, the real fun began. We undertook practial classes in Pharmacology (the chemistry of drugs) and Physiotherapy,
On Tuesday, we were stationed at Beaumont hospital. We worked with Cardiologists, looing at cases of Myocardial Infarctions (MI), and talked to a cardiac surgeon about stints and bypasses. Later that day we worked with Pathologists, exaamining growths and tumour cells, practiced clinical skills such as reading x-rays, usisng opthalmoscopes and aurascopes, measuring blood pressure and even drawing blood! We undertook a module on Forensic Medicine with state pathologist Marie Cassidy, where we looked at the effects of decompostion on the human body and about the crustaceans and maggots that feed on it.... Thankfully it was after lunch.
On Thursday, we started off with a lecture on advanced trauma life support, which included talking about gruesome cases of evisceration, disembowelment and the likes. A few people fainted, so perhaps Medicine is not for them! We had a lecture in pyschiatry to finish the day. Psychiatry is....... interesing.
We finished off our week in RCSI on the Friday. We received a lecture given by Cystic Fibrosis patients and their doctors. We learned of Isoleucine, Phenylaline, Glycine and Valine (they're necleotides, not drugs). We also attended a whistlestop tour of human anatomy with an oldschool professor and Q&A time with Operation smile, a great charity that sens doctors and nurses to developing countries to operate on cleft lips and palettes for free.
After an excellent week, I know a lot more about the lives of doctors and nurses, While some may think that it is fun to saunter around a hospital in a white coat, with good pay to boot, there is an awesome responsibility that comes with it. The doctor must always remember that they are treating a petient and not a fever chart or a cancerous growth, whose illness may affect their family and economic stability. A true doctor must adhere to the Hippocraic oath, have a firm understanding of science and physiology but, most importantly, a kind heart.
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