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 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
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#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Reposted by Cathy
I knew I saw this somewhere before. Funny that it’s almost exactly what’s actually happening now.
February 14, 2026 at 2:33 PM
I knew I saw this somewhere before. Funny that it’s almost exactly what’s actually happening now.
Odd that Trump wants EU and UK to accept hormone beef and RFK Jr is pushing beef consumption when there's a shortage of US beef.
February 14, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Odd that Trump wants EU and UK to accept hormone beef and RFK Jr is pushing beef consumption when there's a shortage of US beef.
Reposted by Cathy
On Trump's failed attempt to indict six members of Congress
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
Trump failed to indict six members of Congress. This is why it matters
Grand juries are preventing some of the grossest abuses of federal power
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 8:24 AM
On Trump's failed attempt to indict six members of Congress
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
At @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
And further points on the 1642/2026 comparison at my own blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/1642s-five... /
davidallengreen.com/2026/02/1642...
>
Reposted by Cathy
He skipped the Ukraine meeting in order to be able to travel to Budapest to see Viktor Orban.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich
US secretary of state cancels attendance at last minute in move that EU official calls ‘insane’
giftarticle.ft.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:53 AM
He skipped the Ukraine meeting in order to be able to travel to Budapest to see Viktor Orban.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Cathy
“Also, we want Greenland.”
Despite fraying transatlantic relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Munich Security Conference the U.S. doesn't want to kill the transatlantic relationship but simply "revitalize" it.
More on our #MSC2026 live blog: www.politico.eu/article/muni...
More on our #MSC2026 live blog: www.politico.eu/article/muni...
February 14, 2026 at 8:59 AM
“Also, we want Greenland.”
Reposted by Cathy
Rubio speech at MSC—in short: US sees global trade, diplomacy, migration, immigration, global institutions and global affairs in general as a “foolish post-WWII mistake” and invites Europe “so save itself by each protecting sovereignty, closed borders, and Christianity” alike Trump’s America.
February 14, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Rubio speech at MSC—in short: US sees global trade, diplomacy, migration, immigration, global institutions and global affairs in general as a “foolish post-WWII mistake” and invites Europe “so save itself by each protecting sovereignty, closed borders, and Christianity” alike Trump’s America.
Reposted by Cathy
Wang Yi in Munich on Ukraine talks
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
February 14, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Wang Yi in Munich on Ukraine talks
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, the US had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be watching from the sidelines. Europe should not be on the menu, but should be at the table."
Reposted by Cathy
The Trump admin is not an ally of the UK and I will keep saying this. They are trying to destroy Europe just like they are destroying their own country.
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rubio warns Europe of new era in geopolitics before Munich security conference
The US Secretary of State will address the first major transatlantic meeting since Donald Trump threatened to annex Greenland.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 9:01 AM
The Trump admin is not an ally of the UK and I will keep saying this. They are trying to destroy Europe just like they are destroying their own country.
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So sick of the Trump admin.
#BoycottUSGoods
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Cathy
Free piece just released. Marco Rubio called on tolerant, democratic, liberal Europe to destroy itself and embrace a Trump-like future. He received a standing ovation and we are told some people are reassured. If so, Europe will deserve everything coming its way. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Rubio Calls For The End Of A Tolerant, Democratic Europe And The Crowd Goes Wild
Just over an hour ago, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the end of a tolerant, democratic Europe and its break-up into a disparate group of smaller, Trumpist states, and the Europeans in t...
open.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Free piece just released. Marco Rubio called on tolerant, democratic, liberal Europe to destroy itself and embrace a Trump-like future. He received a standing ovation and we are told some people are reassured. If so, Europe will deserve everything coming its way. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Europe should not be excited about politeness.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
I can see Europeans being excited about the polite-ish tone but diplomacy is also about substance and I didn’t see any. What am I missing?
The Rubio speech was not a detente.
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
It was the JD Vance message delivered with velvet rather than boxing gloves (h/t @fbermingham.bsky.social)
He signalled 0 actionable compromises to the EU other than implicitly asking Europe to close its borders / round up migrants (and then the US offers what?)
February 14, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Europe should not be excited about politeness.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
A modicum of respect is the least we should expect.
The call to do what US says rather than what European pragmatism and/or morality directs is unacceptable.
Reposted by Cathy
Another thrilling #ValentinesDay at #WBYeats house
February 14, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Another thrilling #ValentinesDay at #WBYeats house
Reposted by Cathy
Happy Valentine’s Day—may we show our love for nature by protecting the red squirrels who depend on it.
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
February 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Happy Valentine’s Day—may we show our love for nature by protecting the red squirrels who depend on it.
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
#ValentinesDay2026 #wildlife #nature www.change.org/p/save-the-h...
Reposted by Cathy
Sunrise views over Cushendall Bay on the Antrim coast.
📸 Eimhear McGrath
📸 Eimhear McGrath
February 14, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Sunrise views over Cushendall Bay on the Antrim coast.
📸 Eimhear McGrath
📸 Eimhear McGrath
Reposted by Cathy
As it’s Pink Halloween, this being Valentine’s Day in the writer Robyn Wilder’s brilliant coinage, #RecipeOfTheDay just demanded to be these Custard Cream Hearts! I rather think you should make a batch for yourself. www.nigella.com/recipes/cust...
Custard Cream Hearts
I have what I like to think of as a Wildean thing about reproducing artifice by more natural means. Thus, in How To Eat, I gave a recipe for digestive biscuits, and now I find myself propelled towards...
www.nigella.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
As it’s Pink Halloween, this being Valentine’s Day in the writer Robyn Wilder’s brilliant coinage, #RecipeOfTheDay just demanded to be these Custard Cream Hearts! I rather think you should make a batch for yourself. www.nigella.com/recipes/cust...
Reposted by Cathy
Good.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
A strong Europe steps up, takes on its responsibility.
And bring its mutual defence clause to life.
This is Europe’s meaning.
But this commitment only carries weight if it is built on trust and capability.
This is why we must be collectively ready.
Speech at #MSC2026
link.europa.eu/fRqgwg
And bring its mutual defence clause to life.
This is Europe’s meaning.
But this commitment only carries weight if it is built on trust and capability.
This is why we must be collectively ready.
Speech at #MSC2026
link.europa.eu/fRqgwg
February 14, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Good.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
I will admit to being heartily sick of the pretence in Irish discourse that the only choices are nothing without the UN, ignoring the P5 dictatorships vetoing anything in the UN; NATO crippled by Trump’s attempts to veto; or doing nothing about attacks while pretending to be moral paragons.
February 14, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Reposted by Cathy
To everyone who has that someone special. Give them a hug and tell them you love them today. Those who have lost your loved ones. Remember all those special times. Happy Valentine’s Day. Here’s a true symbol of love and commitment. All info in alt. #birds #BirdOfTheDay #Portrait #EastCoastKin
February 14, 2026 at 9:42 AM
To everyone who has that someone special. Give them a hug and tell them you love them today. Those who have lost your loved ones. Remember all those special times. Happy Valentine’s Day. Here’s a true symbol of love and commitment. All info in alt. #birds #BirdOfTheDay #Portrait #EastCoastKin
Reposted by Cathy
This tidal island legend is a new one to me - shout out to Bangor oceanography who are just along the strait. 🌊❤
Trying to decide if I need to stay up until midnight to tell you that in Wales they don’t celebrate Valentine, they celebrate Dwynwen who wanted to be away from [a specific man] Maelon so SOULFULLY, she literally walked on water until an angel agreed to turn him into ice
She felt bad about it, so:
She felt bad about it, so:
February 14, 2026 at 9:38 AM
This tidal island legend is a new one to me - shout out to Bangor oceanography who are just along the strait. 🌊❤
Reposted by Cathy
The Dublin Lunar New Year festival bursts into life today, with celebrations taking place across the city right through to 22 February. ✨🐎🔥
Explore what’s on across Dublin: dublinlunarnewyear.ie
#DublinLunarNewYear #YearOfTheHorse
Explore what’s on across Dublin: dublinlunarnewyear.ie
#DublinLunarNewYear #YearOfTheHorse
February 14, 2026 at 9:34 AM
The Dublin Lunar New Year festival bursts into life today, with celebrations taking place across the city right through to 22 February. ✨🐎🔥
Explore what’s on across Dublin: dublinlunarnewyear.ie
#DublinLunarNewYear #YearOfTheHorse
Explore what’s on across Dublin: dublinlunarnewyear.ie
#DublinLunarNewYear #YearOfTheHorse
Wonder if he grabbed a staffer and an eiderdown in order to make a more sympathetic post.
February 14, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Wonder if he grabbed a staffer and an eiderdown in order to make a more sympathetic post.
Reposted by Cathy
This St. Valentine’s Day, we celebrate one of literature’s most iconic love stories: James Joyce and Nora Barnacle.
They first met on 10 June 1904 in Dublin and by 8 October, Nora had agreed to elope with him.
Learn more about James Joyce and Nora Barnacle on the @dib.ie www.dib.ie/biography/jo...
They first met on 10 June 1904 in Dublin and by 8 October, Nora had agreed to elope with him.
Learn more about James Joyce and Nora Barnacle on the @dib.ie www.dib.ie/biography/jo...
February 14, 2026 at 8:45 AM
This St. Valentine’s Day, we celebrate one of literature’s most iconic love stories: James Joyce and Nora Barnacle.
They first met on 10 June 1904 in Dublin and by 8 October, Nora had agreed to elope with him.
Learn more about James Joyce and Nora Barnacle on the @dib.ie www.dib.ie/biography/jo...
They first met on 10 June 1904 in Dublin and by 8 October, Nora had agreed to elope with him.
Learn more about James Joyce and Nora Barnacle on the @dib.ie www.dib.ie/biography/jo...
Reposted by Cathy
A frosty dawn walk with dogs playing and bird song.
Feeling a bit better. I’ve heard from others that the bug I have can last 24 hours or a week. Fingers crossed I can boot it bodily out and it only vaguely lingers for a few days
Feeling a bit better. I’ve heard from others that the bug I have can last 24 hours or a week. Fingers crossed I can boot it bodily out and it only vaguely lingers for a few days
February 14, 2026 at 8:36 AM
A frosty dawn walk with dogs playing and bird song.
Feeling a bit better. I’ve heard from others that the bug I have can last 24 hours or a week. Fingers crossed I can boot it bodily out and it only vaguely lingers for a few days
Feeling a bit better. I’ve heard from others that the bug I have can last 24 hours or a week. Fingers crossed I can boot it bodily out and it only vaguely lingers for a few days
Reposted by Cathy
Temperatures as low as -5.8c this morning but a stunning morning with a lively sunrise ahead.
February 14, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Temperatures as low as -5.8c this morning but a stunning morning with a lively sunrise ahead.
Reposted by Cathy
A beautiful start to Valentine’s Day on the Antrim Coast at Carnlough.
📸 Linda Johnston
📸 Linda Johnston
February 14, 2026 at 7:45 AM
A beautiful start to Valentine’s Day on the Antrim Coast at Carnlough.
📸 Linda Johnston
📸 Linda Johnston
Reposted by Cathy
A feature of complex systems is that as they transition out of a stable equilibrium the first signs are an increase in the frequency and extent of extreme behaviour.
Weather is the classic complex system, as things get more extreme the lessons learnt from past weather will be less of a guide
Weather is the classic complex system, as things get more extreme the lessons learnt from past weather will be less of a guide
A Met Éireann meteorologist has said the weather situation last night was complex and evolving, with the decision to suddenly issue a Status Yellow warning at 2.37am taken after rain was falling heavier than previously indicated
Rain warning issued late amid 'complex' situation
A Met Éireann meteorologist has said the weather situation last night was complex and evolving, with the decision to suddenly issue a Status Yellow warning at 2.37am taken after rain was falling heavi...
www.rte.ie
February 13, 2026 at 7:17 PM
A feature of complex systems is that as they transition out of a stable equilibrium the first signs are an increase in the frequency and extent of extreme behaviour.
Weather is the classic complex system, as things get more extreme the lessons learnt from past weather will be less of a guide
Weather is the classic complex system, as things get more extreme the lessons learnt from past weather will be less of a guide