DjMagra’s stuff ‘n’ stuff

Finally, after all these years, the IRA’s armed struggle is over.

The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign.

This will take effect from 4pm [1600 BST] this afternoon.

All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means.

Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The full text of the statement can be found here.

Here’s hoping that now, Ian Paisley, the DUP, and all other involved parties accept that the war is over, and that dialogue and politics is now how to solve the issues.

This is a monumental moment in Irish history, somewhat hard to absorb right now, but it has been absorbed enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and realise that you are seeing history in the making.

Nothing too unusual in there being a wet windy day in Dublin I hear you say, except for the fact that there is!! No, I don’t want you going getting any dillusional ideas that we have had anything resembling a summer here yet, there has been one or two nice days alright, mixed into the usual smattering of grey and temperatures in the mid teens (mid sixties for our American cousins), but, there has been very little rain.

This morning however, we have returned to wind, rain, and temperatures in the low teens. Almost getting winter like, and that got me thinking, as I was walking into work like a drowned rat, that I am looking forward to the winter, something I always do, as, you don’t expect to get good weather, you don’t wake up disappointed every morning due to the fact that the sun isn’t shining (it’s a very Irish thing, that, despite the fact that we never get sunshine, we wake up every morning expecting it!), and you dress accordingly for the elements. And there’s also the sadistic side of me that just loves freezing cold weather, give me any amount of ice and snow and even wind any day, so long as it’s not raining!

Heh, this one will brighten up your Monday morning.

Former US President, Bill Clinton has been offered 40 goats and 20 cows for his daughters hand in marriage by a love-struck African government official, according to Sky News.

As well as what is considered a very generous offer, Godwin Kipkemoi Chepkurgor, the prospective husband, provides character references from no less than the former Kenyan president also, and claims that he would have asked Archbishop Desmond Tutu to celebrate the ceremony!

BBC are carrying an interesting article on the impact of digital camera’s on our lives, especially in comparison to traditional photography.

Becoming an almost constant necessity at the moment, given all that’s going on in London, BBC Streaming News lives up to all expectations, and the quality of broadcast (assuming you have a decent connection) is excellent.

After debating for a while I have finally given in and gone and ordered Sky for myself. Decided to go for Sky+ when I was at it, and went the whole hog and ordered the Sky World pack (every possible station thrown into the mix).

Not going to have it for another 2 weeks unfortunately, but, at least we’re on the way!

Eircom today announced that Dublin Airport is now the largest wireless broadband (wi-fi) hotspot in Ireland. All passengers using the airport now have wireless broadband access throughout the entire airport. This includes the check-in areas, the mezzanine food court, the Anna Livia Business Lounge and the departure gates in Pier A, B and C.

To mark the launch, eircom is providing free wireless broadband access to all Dublin Airport passengers. The offer starts on Monday 18th July and is available until Wednesday 27th July. Travellers wishing to avail of this special promotion will automatically gain access when they log onto eircom wireless broadband while they are at Dublin Airport. From 28th July Dublin Airport passengers can avail of wireless broadband access for as little as €3 for 30 minutes, ranging up to €30 for 7 days access.

Following the conclusion of the promotion, passengers and travellers can easily access the wireless broadband service. Vouchers are available for purchase from retail outlets located throughout the airport including Thomas Reeds Bars and Restaurants, Sky Music Shops and numerous food outlets including Ritazza Coffee Co. and Sbarro Italian Eaterie. An online payment facility is also available to customers wishing to use their credit cards when they log in.

Eircom is also currently discussing roaming agreements with a number of other wireless broadband providers, which will allow customers who subscribe to other service providers to access their usual wireless hotspot service at Dublin Airport.

You’re beautiful, it’s true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don’t know what to do,
‘Cause I’ll never be with you.

Having visited three new countries over the past few weeks, I think it’s time to update my map of places in the world I’ve been. Still only covered 6% of the world!!

And, for those who can’t make out the countries from the map, the list is:
USA
Tunisia
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Czech Republic
France
Ireland
Italy
Monaco
Portugal
Serbia and Montenegro
Switzerland
Spain
UK