Cathy
@cathyby.bsky.social
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Benjamin Franklin
Header description with alt-text: https://bsky.app/profile/cathyby.bsky.social/post/3mdqweljkbc25
#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Header description with alt-text: https://bsky.app/profile/cathyby.bsky.social/post/3mdqweljkbc25
#SpéirGorm 🇮🇪 🇪🇺
Reposted by Cathy
“.. For every $1 the U.S. collects in taxes and tariffs, it will spend $1.33 this year.”
@wsj.com @scottlincicome.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
@wsj.com @scottlincicome.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
February 11, 2026 at 11:45 PM
“.. For every $1 the U.S. collects in taxes and tariffs, it will spend $1.33 this year.”
@wsj.com @scottlincicome.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
@wsj.com @scottlincicome.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Trade deficit is not down 78%
www.jec.senate.gov/public/vendo...
Can't find anyone saying a year ago that Dow Jones or S&P numbers were impossible.
He threatened tariffs against European countries over Greenland, and then retracted them when it didn't work. #TrumpLies
www.jec.senate.gov/public/vendo...
Can't find anyone saying a year ago that Dow Jones or S&P numbers were impossible.
He threatened tariffs against European countries over Greenland, and then retracted them when it didn't work. #TrumpLies
Trump threatens to support primaries against Republicans who vote against tariffs
February 11, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Trade deficit is not down 78%
www.jec.senate.gov/public/vendo...
Can't find anyone saying a year ago that Dow Jones or S&P numbers were impossible.
He threatened tariffs against European countries over Greenland, and then retracted them when it didn't work. #TrumpLies
www.jec.senate.gov/public/vendo...
Can't find anyone saying a year ago that Dow Jones or S&P numbers were impossible.
He threatened tariffs against European countries over Greenland, and then retracted them when it didn't work. #TrumpLies
Reposted by Cathy
Winter isn’t over yet but it can still do this …………… ❤️
#lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
#lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
February 11, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Winter isn’t over yet but it can still do this …………… ❤️
#lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
#lovelife #mystory #winter #sunset #wildatlanticway #strandhill #photography #surf #surfing #sligo #Ireland
Reposted by Cathy
She spent the whole morning performatively screaming at Congressmen, but this image of Bondi saying nothing and refusing to turn around will be the only real takeaway from her testimony today.
Likely-historic photo by NBC News of all the Epstein victims asked to raise their hands if they've not yet been asked to meet with the DOJ as Bondi testifies in foreground
February 11, 2026 at 6:31 PM
She spent the whole morning performatively screaming at Congressmen, but this image of Bondi saying nothing and refusing to turn around will be the only real takeaway from her testimony today.
Reposted by Cathy
Zelenskyy on holding elections:
“We will move to elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place.”
“Of course, we are ready for elections. I said it’s very simple to do. Establish a ceasefire and then there will be elections. That is a matter of security.”
“We will move to elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place.”
“Of course, we are ready for elections. I said it’s very simple to do. Establish a ceasefire and then there will be elections. That is a matter of security.”
Zelenskyy on EU accession by 2027:
“It is important that Ukraine will do everything to be technically ready for accession by 2027.”
“The 20-point plan, the plan to end the war, guarantees Ukrainians that there will be a specific date for our accession.”
“It is important that Ukraine will do everything to be technically ready for accession by 2027.”
“The 20-point plan, the plan to end the war, guarantees Ukrainians that there will be a specific date for our accession.”
Zelenskyy on special EU envoy:
“We need to build not just dialogue with the Russians, but pressure. We need to have arguments in our hands in order to put pressure on the Russians. Otherwise, they will simply treat Europe with disrespect. And it seems to me that they enjoy doing so.”
“We need to build not just dialogue with the Russians, but pressure. We need to have arguments in our hands in order to put pressure on the Russians. Otherwise, they will simply treat Europe with disrespect. And it seems to me that they enjoy doing so.”
February 11, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Zelenskyy on holding elections:
“We will move to elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place.”
“Of course, we are ready for elections. I said it’s very simple to do. Establish a ceasefire and then there will be elections. That is a matter of security.”
“We will move to elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place.”
“Of course, we are ready for elections. I said it’s very simple to do. Establish a ceasefire and then there will be elections. That is a matter of security.”
Reposted by Cathy
For #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience, we’re highlighting #MaryKingWard (27 April 1827 – 31 August 1869), an Irish naturalist, microscopist, author, artist and astronomer from Co. Offaly.
📷 : Mary Ward with her #microscope, c.1860 (public domain)
📷 : Mary Ward with her #microscope, c.1860 (public domain)
February 11, 2026 at 11:27 AM
For #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience, we’re highlighting #MaryKingWard (27 April 1827 – 31 August 1869), an Irish naturalist, microscopist, author, artist and astronomer from Co. Offaly.
📷 : Mary Ward with her #microscope, c.1860 (public domain)
📷 : Mary Ward with her #microscope, c.1860 (public domain)
Reposted by Cathy
Russia is not winning this war.
Its casualty rates are surging, and its economy is struggling.
Today, Ministers will discuss how we can further support Ukraine.
On the table are proposals to establish two training facilities inside Ukraine and to mobilise additional private capital.
Its casualty rates are surging, and its economy is struggling.
Today, Ministers will discuss how we can further support Ukraine.
On the table are proposals to establish two training facilities inside Ukraine and to mobilise additional private capital.
February 11, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Russia is not winning this war.
Its casualty rates are surging, and its economy is struggling.
Today, Ministers will discuss how we can further support Ukraine.
On the table are proposals to establish two training facilities inside Ukraine and to mobilise additional private capital.
Its casualty rates are surging, and its economy is struggling.
Today, Ministers will discuss how we can further support Ukraine.
On the table are proposals to establish two training facilities inside Ukraine and to mobilise additional private capital.
Reposted by Cathy
Big THANK YOU to all at the Country Store & Cafe at Timbertrove for sponsoring the month of February in our 2026 Calendar. Photo Grainne Corcoran #nature #wednesday #ThePhotoHour
February 11, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Big THANK YOU to all at the Country Store & Cafe at Timbertrove for sponsoring the month of February in our 2026 Calendar. Photo Grainne Corcoran #nature #wednesday #ThePhotoHour
Reposted by Cathy
Manchester Utd owner is giving media interviews claiming UK "colonised" by immigrants
He thinks population rose 12 million snce 2020!
11 million people born abroad; this was 9.5 million in 2020, so that is up 1.5 million (not 12 million) but rose 7 million in 30 years from 4m before 1997
He thinks population rose 12 million snce 2020!
11 million people born abroad; this was 9.5 million in 2020, so that is up 1.5 million (not 12 million) but rose 7 million in 30 years from 4m before 1997
February 11, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Manchester Utd owner is giving media interviews claiming UK "colonised" by immigrants
He thinks population rose 12 million snce 2020!
11 million people born abroad; this was 9.5 million in 2020, so that is up 1.5 million (not 12 million) but rose 7 million in 30 years from 4m before 1997
He thinks population rose 12 million snce 2020!
11 million people born abroad; this was 9.5 million in 2020, so that is up 1.5 million (not 12 million) but rose 7 million in 30 years from 4m before 1997
The democratisation of fake news.
Exhibit 12,239 for this theory that the stochastic radicalisation engines we've built have this revolutionary feature that they give the same exact brainworms to the genius billionaire as they do to the drunk uncle at the pub
bsky.app/profile/news...
bsky.app/profile/news...
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
February 11, 2026 at 5:48 PM
The democratisation of fake news.
We all know that the populist right use "colonised" because they want to portray themselves as victims.
They give out fake figures because people don't check.
This guy may simply be repeating what he was told, but why put it in the headline?
They give out fake figures because people don't check.
This guy may simply be repeating what he was told, but why put it in the headline?
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Britain has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the country's richest and most influential men, has told Sky News.
news.sky.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:39 PM
We all know that the populist right use "colonised" because they want to portray themselves as victims.
They give out fake figures because people don't check.
This guy may simply be repeating what he was told, but why put it in the headline?
They give out fake figures because people don't check.
This guy may simply be repeating what he was told, but why put it in the headline?
Reposted by Cathy
BREAKING: Pam Bondi appears to have just committed a federal crime by lying under oath.
Ted lieu just caught her in a lie and called for her resignation live on TV.
Ted lieu just caught her in a lie and called for her resignation live on TV.
February 11, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Andrew 'The Clobberer' Ranken, drummer & heartbeat of the Pogues. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.
The Pogues - The Parting Glass (1985)
youtu.be/z6oE7MtUYK0?...
youtu.be/z6oE7MtUYK0?...
The Pogues - "The Parting Glass" (1985)
YouTube video by Belly Rubbin' Music (BRM)
youtu.be
February 11, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Andrew 'The Clobberer' Ranken, drummer & heartbeat of the Pogues. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.
Reposted by Cathy
Today 11th February is the feast day of St Gobnait, patron saint of bees. #HarryClarke #HonanChapel #speirgorm
February 11, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Today 11th February is the feast day of St Gobnait, patron saint of bees. #HarryClarke #HonanChapel #speirgorm
Reposted by Cathy
Today marks the feast day of St Gobnait.
Tradition suggests that Gobnait lived during the 6th century, and she is commemorated in sites on Inis Oírr and across Munster.
But she is most associated with Ballyvourney, County Cork, where you can find a pilgrimage landscape (with a lovely holy well)
Tradition suggests that Gobnait lived during the 6th century, and she is commemorated in sites on Inis Oírr and across Munster.
But she is most associated with Ballyvourney, County Cork, where you can find a pilgrimage landscape (with a lovely holy well)
February 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Today marks the feast day of St Gobnait.
Tradition suggests that Gobnait lived during the 6th century, and she is commemorated in sites on Inis Oírr and across Munster.
But she is most associated with Ballyvourney, County Cork, where you can find a pilgrimage landscape (with a lovely holy well)
Tradition suggests that Gobnait lived during the 6th century, and she is commemorated in sites on Inis Oírr and across Munster.
But she is most associated with Ballyvourney, County Cork, where you can find a pilgrimage landscape (with a lovely holy well)
Reposted by Cathy
I happened to know an Irish nun, famous in Malaysia for founding a school and hospital and generally loved by ex-pupils (and who was made the equivalent of a Dame there) and when she passed it went unnoticed by the Catholic media and pundits here: www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/14...
February 11, 2026 at 4:45 PM
I happened to know an Irish nun, famous in Malaysia for founding a school and hospital and generally loved by ex-pupils (and who was made the equivalent of a Dame there) and when she passed it went unnoticed by the Catholic media and pundits here: www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/14...
More than 50 unfinished houses in Tipperary are to be demolished, Dáil hears
More than 50 unfinished houses in Tipperary are to be demolished, Dáil hears
Work halted in 2007 when council said homes were not in compliance with planning permission
www.irishtimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:32 PM
He wants there to be compelling reasons to use X. It annoys me that traffic delays in Ireland is one such.
Also, trying to position the Moon as a first step Mars in his remarks. Just need a "self-sustaining city" on the Moon first.
(Just say "never". Its faster.)
Also, trying to position the Moon as a first step Mars in his remarks. Just need a "self-sustaining city" on the Moon first.
(Just say "never". Its faster.)
Elon Musk told employees at xAI, his artificial intelligence company, on Tuesday that the company needed a factory on the moon to build A.I. satellites and a massive catapult to launch them into space.
Elon Musk Wants to Build an A.I. Satellite Factory on the Moon
In a meeting with employees at his company xAI, Mr. Musk revealed a vision for a facility that includes a giant catapult to launch his satellites into space.
nyti.ms
February 11, 2026 at 4:31 PM
He wants there to be compelling reasons to use X. It annoys me that traffic delays in Ireland is one such.
Also, trying to position the Moon as a first step Mars in his remarks. Just need a "self-sustaining city" on the Moon first.
(Just say "never". Its faster.)
Also, trying to position the Moon as a first step Mars in his remarks. Just need a "self-sustaining city" on the Moon first.
(Just say "never". Its faster.)
Reposted by Cathy
Emmanuel Macron lists the 3 factors besetting the EU economy:
- End of Russia as an energy provider
- End of China as the main export market
- US tariffs and economic coercion
"This is the game changer," he says. "This is not a temporary shock. This is clearly a structural turning point."
- End of Russia as an energy provider
- End of China as the main export market
- US tariffs and economic coercion
"This is the game changer," he says. "This is not a temporary shock. This is clearly a structural turning point."
February 11, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Emmanuel Macron lists the 3 factors besetting the EU economy:
- End of Russia as an energy provider
- End of China as the main export market
- US tariffs and economic coercion
"This is the game changer," he says. "This is not a temporary shock. This is clearly a structural turning point."
- End of Russia as an energy provider
- End of China as the main export market
- US tariffs and economic coercion
"This is the game changer," he says. "This is not a temporary shock. This is clearly a structural turning point."
Reposted by Cathy
Europeanisation of NATO to proceed apace.
US signals limited military pullback from Europe
US signals limited military pullback from Europe
“We will continue to show up,” America's ambassador to NATO said.
dlvr.it
February 11, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Europeanisation of NATO to proceed apace.
Reposted by Cathy
‘I’m really scared’: Police release emergency call of boy who swam hours to rescue family
‘I’m really scared’: Police release emergency call of boy who swam hours to rescue family
Austin Appelbee (13), the son of an Irish woman, is being hailed as a hero in Australia
www.irishtimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:37 PM
‘I’m really scared’: Police release emergency call of boy who swam hours to rescue family
Reposted by Cathy
🎯💯 Key insight. This is what #Merzoni, B & vdL brings to the table tomorrow. A full attack on EU & sell out to Trump & US tech oligarchs. The opposite of what is needed & what EUs citizens wants, but they bow to Trump & industrialists living in the past, who care not for the people of EU.
🫶🇪🇺⚔️
#EUsky
🫶🇪🇺⚔️
#EUsky
#Merzoni, with the willing participation of 🇪🇺President von der Leyen, have formed a pact to dilute the power of the European Union and return it to national capitals in order to carry out corporate wishes.
It is the opposite of Draghi's vision. Yet they are citing him as their inspiration.
It is the opposite of Draghi's vision. Yet they are citing him as their inspiration.
The Merzoni plan would take Europe backwards, not forwards
EU leaders will gather for a castle retreat tomorrow with Mario Draghi, who will call for Europe to federate. But the German and Italian leaders are coming to the castle with a pact to weaken the EU.
davekeating.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:28 PM
🎯💯 Key insight. This is what #Merzoni, B & vdL brings to the table tomorrow. A full attack on EU & sell out to Trump & US tech oligarchs. The opposite of what is needed & what EUs citizens wants, but they bow to Trump & industrialists living in the past, who care not for the people of EU.
🫶🇪🇺⚔️
#EUsky
🫶🇪🇺⚔️
#EUsky
Reposted by Cathy
After widespread flooding during #StormChandra, Prof Peter Thorne of MU, sounded the alarm if global warming continues unabated. “It’s just another sad milestone in a litany of sad milestones of a climate going awry & going wrong to the detriment of all of us,”.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
'More heartache' to come as a result of extreme weather conditions, researchers warn
This January was the wettest since 2018, according to Met Éireann
www.irishexaminer.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:45 PM
After widespread flooding during #StormChandra, Prof Peter Thorne of MU, sounded the alarm if global warming continues unabated. “It’s just another sad milestone in a litany of sad milestones of a climate going awry & going wrong to the detriment of all of us,”.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
Reposted by Cathy
Aha, must have been the story just mentioned in a transatlantic call I was on. Gut feel is that USMCA survives because US companies have made it clear to Trump the supply chains are too integrated - hence also why threats on Mexico and Canada haven't really been carried through.
Reports are that Trump is "privately musing about exiting the North American trade pact."
Deep dive by @joshwingrovebbg.bsky.social into what we know about the upcoming USMCA review.
Deep dive by @joshwingrovebbg.bsky.social into what we know about the upcoming USMCA review.
Trump Privately Weighs Quitting USMCA Trade Pact He Negotiated
President Donald Trump is privately musing about exiting the North American trade pact, people familiar with the matter said, injecting further uncertainty about the deal’s future into pivotal renegot...
www.bloomberg.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Aha, must have been the story just mentioned in a transatlantic call I was on. Gut feel is that USMCA survives because US companies have made it clear to Trump the supply chains are too integrated - hence also why threats on Mexico and Canada haven't really been carried through.
Reposted by Cathy
Unsurprisingly, Trump's immigration crackdown is still not delivering labor market improvements for the US-born
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
February 11, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Unsurprisingly, Trump's immigration crackdown is still not delivering labor market improvements for the US-born
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased