Sending the Elevator Back Down

I teach guitar in a music club. This isn’t a subject that I’ve written about a lot before, which is odd, considering that it’s been a major part of my life for the last few years. I suppose it’s something I’ve sometimes taken for granted. But there are times when something happens that you stop …

No, Obama Didn’t Create Isis, But He Did Create Trump

Before I get crucified for that headline, hear me out. It wasn't his fault. Obama didn't create Trump willingly, but his presidency did create the conditions to enable the election of Trump. This is the main issue that we have to take from this election, and the thorny one that America – and the world …

“A Stream of Post-Consciousness”: Mike McCormack on Solar Bones

Solar Bones is one of the most captivating and original novels of recent years. Over on "Writing.ie", I spoke to the author, Mike McCormack. To read the article click here

NEW RELEASE Ciara Ballintyne’s Epic Fantasy ‘In the Company of the Dead’

Only a fool crosses a god, but Ellaeva and Lyram will do anything to get what they want.     Title: In the Company of the Dead Author: Ciara Ballintyne Series: The Sundered Oath #1 Genre: Epic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance   Chosen as a five-year-old orphan to be the Left Hand of Death, Ellaeva has nothing …

Ten Signs That YOU Could Be Dating a Psychopath

Ladies, we all know how hard the dating game can be. How do you read the signs? How can you tell if he’s *really* a nice guy? What’s he hiding in the trunk of his car? It’s tough. So, to help you out – and in the tradition of those very helpful lists that we …

*New Music Monday* My Version of the Beach Boy’s “I Can Hear Music”

This week's new music is a Beach Boy's song that's not a Beach Boy's song. It's their cover of The Ronette's "I Can Hear Music". But the Beach Boy's version is my favourite. And this is my version of it: I Can Hear Music This is the way I always dreamed it would be The …

*New Music Monday* My Version of Blondie’s “Call Me”

Welcome to New Music Monday! This week, it's my stripped down, acoustic version of the Blondie classic "Call Me": Call Me Colour me your colour, baby, colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling, I know who you are Come up off your colour chart; I know where you're coming from Call me on …

The Validation Generation: The Dangers of Living in a Social Media World

Over the past week, you may have read the story of Essena O’Neill, an 18-year-old Australian who quit Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr, despite having half a million followers and lucrative financial rewards. She did this, she said, because the images and videos on these sites are “contrived images and edited clips ranked against each other.” “Without …

*New Music Monday* Derek Does Cole Porter!

It's New Music Monday! This week, a classic Cole Porter tune covered by Ella Fitzgerald and Kirsty McColl, amongst others. This is my version of "Miss Otis Regrets": Miss Otis Regrets  Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today, madam Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today She is sorry to be delayed But last …

*New Music Monday* My Version of ’90s Classic “The Rhythm of the Night”

The Rhythm of the Night This is the rhythm of the night, the night, oh yeah The rhythm of the night This is the rhythm of my life, my life, oh yeah The rhythm of my life You could put some joy upon my face Oh sunshine in an empty place Take me to turn …