Cathy
@cathyby.bsky.social
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Benjamin Franklin
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#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Header description with alt-text: https://bsky.app/profile/cathyby.bsky.social/post/3mdqweljkbc25
#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Reposted by Cathy
Robert Duvall dead at 95
February 16, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Robert Duvall dead at 95
Reposted by Cathy
This week's MFN is about telling Trump you're going to do things, not doing them, and then hoping he doesn't notice.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/strategic-...
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/strategic-...
Strategic under-implementation
Slow-walking, tariff payments, least favoured nation, and digital rules of origin
mostfavourednation.substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 4:56 PM
This week's MFN is about telling Trump you're going to do things, not doing them, and then hoping he doesn't notice.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/strategic-...
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/strategic-...
Reposted by Cathy
The Rotunda has been fighting for an extension into which it can move its cramped NICU for over a decade.
Yet just as planning permission was granted, it was appealed and revoked.
The reasons for this are far outweighed by the essential care that is carried out at the Rotunda.
Govt must step in.
Yet just as planning permission was granted, it was appealed and revoked.
The reasons for this are far outweighed by the essential care that is carried out at the Rotunda.
Govt must step in.
February 16, 2026 at 5:32 PM
The Rotunda has been fighting for an extension into which it can move its cramped NICU for over a decade.
Yet just as planning permission was granted, it was appealed and revoked.
The reasons for this are far outweighed by the essential care that is carried out at the Rotunda.
Govt must step in.
Yet just as planning permission was granted, it was appealed and revoked.
The reasons for this are far outweighed by the essential care that is carried out at the Rotunda.
Govt must step in.
Reposted by Cathy
Signs of early Spring at Bonamargy Friary, County Antrim.
📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social
📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social
February 16, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Signs of early Spring at Bonamargy Friary, County Antrim.
📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social
📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly.bsky.social
Reposted by Cathy
A favourite variation was one I contrived for @thefence.bsky.social in 2020, re: Jeff Bezos' then wealth of $177bn.
"Iago first said 'Put money in thy purse’ at the premiere of Othello on Nov 1st 1604. You'd only need to put $1.1 million in said purse every single day since to match Bezos’ total".
"Iago first said 'Put money in thy purse’ at the premiere of Othello on Nov 1st 1604. You'd only need to put $1.1 million in said purse every single day since to match Bezos’ total".
Given the Mamdani discourse, I wrote a bit about billionaires. If you were given $100 a day and aimed to have as much wealth as the world’s billionaires, you’d have had to have started about when animals first developed the ability to breathe oxygen.
s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw/?tra...
s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw/?tra...
July 1, 2025 at 10:34 AM
A favourite variation was one I contrived for @thefence.bsky.social in 2020, re: Jeff Bezos' then wealth of $177bn.
"Iago first said 'Put money in thy purse’ at the premiere of Othello on Nov 1st 1604. You'd only need to put $1.1 million in said purse every single day since to match Bezos’ total".
"Iago first said 'Put money in thy purse’ at the premiere of Othello on Nov 1st 1604. You'd only need to put $1.1 million in said purse every single day since to match Bezos’ total".
Reposted by Cathy
Canada is now the first non-European country to be granted a membership in SAFE. This is a gamechanger program that means Canada can rearm our Canadian Armed Forces members more effectively and scale up our defence industries with more contracts overseas.
February 16, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Canada is now the first non-European country to be granted a membership in SAFE. This is a gamechanger program that means Canada can rearm our Canadian Armed Forces members more effectively and scale up our defence industries with more contracts overseas.
Reposted by Cathy
Politico: The EU and a 12-nation Indo-Pacific bloc are opening talks to explore forming one of the largest global economic alliances, multiple people with knowledge of the talks told POLITICO. Canada's Mark Carney is spearheading the discussions.
February 16, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Politico: The EU and a 12-nation Indo-Pacific bloc are opening talks to explore forming one of the largest global economic alliances, multiple people with knowledge of the talks told POLITICO. Canada's Mark Carney is spearheading the discussions.
Reposted by Cathy
Hungary holds elections in 2 months. And the US Secretary of State is in Hungary campaigning for Viktor Orban. And as you can see, Russian state media loves it.
February 16, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Hungary holds elections in 2 months. And the US Secretary of State is in Hungary campaigning for Viktor Orban. And as you can see, Russian state media loves it.
Reposted by Cathy
yes. the things that would make social media safer for children are almost all just the things that would make social media non-harmful/much less harmful for *all of us*.
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
The under-16 social media (and VPN, and chatbot) ban is part of a broader policy problem IMV, which is that it is politically easier to talk about e.g. 'child poverty', and you can do a lot of good with that approach, but it has hard limits because ultimately you are also just talking about poverty.
February 16, 2026 at 3:23 PM
yes. the things that would make social media safer for children are almost all just the things that would make social media non-harmful/much less harmful for *all of us*.
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
if you do it by age verification then nothing will stop a child in a difficult home accessing stuff via parents' accounts
Reposted by Cathy
The question is always, if this company is worth a trillion dollars what trillion dollar problem is it fixing and the only possible answer to that question in the instance of A.I. is “wages.”
AI guys insisting on the inevitability of the tech are so irritating. every comparison they make is to something whose utility was immediately apparent. "it does things faster and we can fix its mistakes later and that'll be the job now" does not compare to "metronome that doesn't need winding"
February 16, 2026 at 3:26 PM
The question is always, if this company is worth a trillion dollars what trillion dollar problem is it fixing and the only possible answer to that question in the instance of A.I. is “wages.”
Reposted by Cathy
Russia's war effort is unsustainable. That's an overarching, sometimes underrated, fact of the war.
Economy strained beyond capacity, and signs of growing problems.
Doesn't mean it's about to collapse. Doesn't mean we know when it'll break. But enough time failing to conquer Ukraine, and it will.
Economy strained beyond capacity, and signs of growing problems.
Doesn't mean it's about to collapse. Doesn't mean we know when it'll break. But enough time failing to conquer Ukraine, and it will.
“Russia’s economy hasn’t collapsed. It has entered the “death zone”—surviving by consuming its own future. Growth at 1%. Budget deficit rising. Military sector expands while civilian industry shrinks. Interest payments > education + healthcare. No climber survives this altitude forever.”
Russia’s economy has entered the death zone
Alexandra Prokopenko wonders how much longer it can go on metabolising its own muscle tissue
www.economist.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Russia's war effort is unsustainable. That's an overarching, sometimes underrated, fact of the war.
Economy strained beyond capacity, and signs of growing problems.
Doesn't mean it's about to collapse. Doesn't mean we know when it'll break. But enough time failing to conquer Ukraine, and it will.
Economy strained beyond capacity, and signs of growing problems.
Doesn't mean it's about to collapse. Doesn't mean we know when it'll break. But enough time failing to conquer Ukraine, and it will.
"A European pillar within Nato is the most effective route to a secure Europe as the US scales back responsibility for the continent’s defence."
"[But] it cannot guarantee European security if the US pursues its current imperial trajectory."
"[But] it cannot guarantee European security if the US pursues its current imperial trajectory."
As you were saying... In case not seen. I think she nails it.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Why Marco Rubio’s ‘reassuring’ speech to Europe was nothing of the kind | Nathalie Tocci
After JD Vance’s frontal attack in Munich last year, the secretary of state’s tone seemed almost soothing. That’s just a new Maga trap, says Guardian Europe columnist Nathalie Tocci
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:35 PM
"A European pillar within Nato is the most effective route to a secure Europe as the US scales back responsibility for the continent’s defence."
"[But] it cannot guarantee European security if the US pursues its current imperial trajectory."
"[But] it cannot guarantee European security if the US pursues its current imperial trajectory."
Reposted by Cathy
Ok. The daffodils are out. I’m going to say it. Spring is here!
#photography #EastCoastKin #TeamPixel #MountUsher #Wicklow #SpringWatch #Daffodil #NaturePhotography #GardenLife #Ireland
#photography #EastCoastKin #TeamPixel #MountUsher #Wicklow #SpringWatch #Daffodil #NaturePhotography #GardenLife #Ireland
February 16, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Ok. The daffodils are out. I’m going to say it. Spring is here!
#photography #EastCoastKin #TeamPixel #MountUsher #Wicklow #SpringWatch #Daffodil #NaturePhotography #GardenLife #Ireland
#photography #EastCoastKin #TeamPixel #MountUsher #Wicklow #SpringWatch #Daffodil #NaturePhotography #GardenLife #Ireland
Reposted by Cathy
Heavy scattered showers but at least in between the showers we have some blue skies reflecting on a high River Barrow.
February 16, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Heavy scattered showers but at least in between the showers we have some blue skies reflecting on a high River Barrow.
Reposted by Cathy
“Watchfulness is the most dangerous form of resistance because it obstructs the Trump regime’s project of habituation. Fascism works by making the extreme normal.” @fotoole.bsky.social
“The sin of civic “interference” is in fact the saving grace of democracy.”
“The sin of civic “interference” is in fact the saving grace of democracy.”
“If the murder of Alex Pretti…cannot be called murder, an authoritarian regime has passed one of its crucial tests: it can reverse all meanings…making the victim the perpetrator, the perpetrator the victim.” —@fotoole.bsky.social
The Crime of Witness | Fintan O’Toole
Renée Good and Alex Pretti were murdered for daring to interfere with the Trump administration’s efforts to normalize abductions and state violence.
www.nybooks.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:07 PM
“Watchfulness is the most dangerous form of resistance because it obstructs the Trump regime’s project of habituation. Fascism works by making the extreme normal.” @fotoole.bsky.social
“The sin of civic “interference” is in fact the saving grace of democracy.”
“The sin of civic “interference” is in fact the saving grace of democracy.”
Rose Monday parades roll through the Rhineland carnival strongholds of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Mainz.
Image below of one float shows a worried looking woman seated on a blue animal labelled "Europa". One end is being consumed by a giant Putin head and the other by a giant Trump head.
Image below of one float shows a worried looking woman seated on a blue animal labelled "Europa". One end is being consumed by a giant Putin head and the other by a giant Trump head.
February 16, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Rose Monday parades roll through the Rhineland carnival strongholds of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Mainz.
Image below of one float shows a worried looking woman seated on a blue animal labelled "Europa". One end is being consumed by a giant Putin head and the other by a giant Trump head.
Image below of one float shows a worried looking woman seated on a blue animal labelled "Europa". One end is being consumed by a giant Putin head and the other by a giant Trump head.
Reposted by Cathy
Zero confusion about what Europeans should do.
Acquire capabilities necessary for defense of Europe. Smartly reduce vulnerabilities to coercion & blackmail by China & US. Invest in revival of European industry & technology. Work together where interests are aligned.
It‘s quite simple.
Acquire capabilities necessary for defense of Europe. Smartly reduce vulnerabilities to coercion & blackmail by China & US. Invest in revival of European industry & technology. Work together where interests are aligned.
It‘s quite simple.
February 16, 2026 at 5:04 AM
Zero confusion about what Europeans should do.
Acquire capabilities necessary for defense of Europe. Smartly reduce vulnerabilities to coercion & blackmail by China & US. Invest in revival of European industry & technology. Work together where interests are aligned.
It‘s quite simple.
Acquire capabilities necessary for defense of Europe. Smartly reduce vulnerabilities to coercion & blackmail by China & US. Invest in revival of European industry & technology. Work together where interests are aligned.
It‘s quite simple.
Reposted by Cathy
When it comes to housing supply there is a big f*cking elephant in the room
Last year CSO found 65,000 homes empty for 2 yrs, using ESB data, yet for same period less than 3,000 paid the vacant homes tax
So thats around 62,000 houses waiting for someone to call them home
Me at Oireachtas
#speirgorm
Last year CSO found 65,000 homes empty for 2 yrs, using ESB data, yet for same period less than 3,000 paid the vacant homes tax
So thats around 62,000 houses waiting for someone to call them home
Me at Oireachtas
#speirgorm
February 16, 2026 at 12:25 PM
When it comes to housing supply there is a big f*cking elephant in the room
Last year CSO found 65,000 homes empty for 2 yrs, using ESB data, yet for same period less than 3,000 paid the vacant homes tax
So thats around 62,000 houses waiting for someone to call them home
Me at Oireachtas
#speirgorm
Last year CSO found 65,000 homes empty for 2 yrs, using ESB data, yet for same period less than 3,000 paid the vacant homes tax
So thats around 62,000 houses waiting for someone to call them home
Me at Oireachtas
#speirgorm
Reposted by Cathy
This is happening because OpenAI - a company that does not have anything even approaching a viable business model and is setting money on fire - used borrowed money to advance buy all of the raw materials for RAM production so competitors couldn’t get it
this RAM crisis feels like it’s going to ruin consumer electronics over the next decade. Bloomberg reports that Sony is considering pushing the PS6 release to 2028 or even 2029 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
February 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
This is happening because OpenAI - a company that does not have anything even approaching a viable business model and is setting money on fire - used borrowed money to advance buy all of the raw materials for RAM production so competitors couldn’t get it
Why are Irish citizens being advised against travel to Cuba?
Because Trump has blocked oil supplies to Cuba, meaning its population of around ten million is now facing one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades.
#SpéirGorm
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
Because Trump has blocked oil supplies to Cuba, meaning its population of around ten million is now facing one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades.
#SpéirGorm
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
Why are Irish citizens being advised against Cuba travel?
Ireland has joined several other nations, including the UK and Canada, in advising its citizens to avoid travelling to the Caribbean island of Cuba unless absolutely necessary.
www.rte.ie
February 16, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Why are Irish citizens being advised against travel to Cuba?
Because Trump has blocked oil supplies to Cuba, meaning its population of around ten million is now facing one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades.
#SpéirGorm
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
Because Trump has blocked oil supplies to Cuba, meaning its population of around ten million is now facing one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades.
#SpéirGorm
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
Reposted by Cathy
Rubio has a personal interest in saying nice(ish) things to Europe; the Trump administration as a whole has a strong interest in Europe not acting on the rupture the White House has created. None of this means an actual change of direction in US foreign policy.
February 14, 2026 at 12:56 PM
Rubio has a personal interest in saying nice(ish) things to Europe; the Trump administration as a whole has a strong interest in Europe not acting on the rupture the White House has created. None of this means an actual change of direction in US foreign policy.
Reposted by Cathy
And it is for threads like this that you too should be following @ruthdeyermond.bsky.social
There will be people who are understandably desperate to hear this, but it's important to be clear-eyed about Rubio himself and what the Trump administration is doing. 🧵
February 16, 2026 at 9:03 AM
And it is for threads like this that you too should be following @ruthdeyermond.bsky.social
Reposted by Cathy
"Idea that VDL'd be 'v much reassured' by Rubio’s remarks-at a moment when the US has declared itself a threat to Europe-is just real boot-licking nonsense; a betrayal of European citizenry. It’s not just VDL. Elites room gave Rubio a mass standing ovation"
www.un-diplomatic.com/p/bootlickin...
www.un-diplomatic.com/p/bootlickin...
Bootlicking at the Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference lived up to its reputation for being the festival of bland fanaticism that it’s always been, only more so this time.
www.un-diplomatic.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:09 AM
"Idea that VDL'd be 'v much reassured' by Rubio’s remarks-at a moment when the US has declared itself a threat to Europe-is just real boot-licking nonsense; a betrayal of European citizenry. It’s not just VDL. Elites room gave Rubio a mass standing ovation"
www.un-diplomatic.com/p/bootlickin...
www.un-diplomatic.com/p/bootlickin...
Reposted by Cathy
From last week mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore, a Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) green heart trade bead, red exterior with a dark green core. Made on the island of Murano, Venice, 17th-19thC, these were used as currency by Europeans to trade with Indigenous & First Nation communities in America 1/
February 16, 2026 at 9:03 AM
From last week mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore, a Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) green heart trade bead, red exterior with a dark green core. Made on the island of Murano, Venice, 17th-19thC, these were used as currency by Europeans to trade with Indigenous & First Nation communities in America 1/