Playing by the Loughshore

St Patrick's Day, Belfast style

St Patrick's Day has for a century been a great sporting day in the Schools' calendar, a big carnival day in the New York calendar, and a big drinking day in the Works' calendar.

Oh yes it is!

Life is too short for Pantomime. I appreciate the effort that goes into it, and the enjoyment it gives to the cast and crew, but for me it's just a bad joke retold.

Claire has decided that we need to save money and reduce the strain on our internal organs. Consequently she has devised a savings plan based on putting money in a tin every time we want to open a bottle of wine, but refrain.

The next Joni Mitchell?

Emily shows great promise, playing Victor's guitar.

No Smoking in enclosed spaces

The No Smoking ban for all enclosed public places takes effect in Northern Ireland today. That means no more smoking in the pub, at the football stadium, or even outside at Belfast's main bus station.