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Tag Archives: Ireland
Luigi’s at lunchtime
Amazed that the place is empty!
Irish Household Charge SEO
The Government’s householdcharge.ie website could probably do with some SEO love. When I search for irish household charge the first page of results are news websites, a political party and a property website’s blog.
Maybe they need to open a blog there talking up the household charge and, oh I don’t know, making us feel better about introducing a new tax.
I’m obviously not the only one looking either. They don’t even make it easy to give them money.. Not that I or any of the other householders want to either.
BTW – today’s the last day if you want to set up a direct debit. There, that’s the Public Service bit out of the way. Now, where’s my credit card?
So, if you own a house in Ireland, what do you think will happen if you don’t pay this charge?
Government plans to sell Cork to stabilise economy
So long guys! (via RTed by troopstorm)
Three Days in Dungarvan
I spent the last few days in Dungarvan, staying in the Park Hotel with my family. It’s a really nice town, small enough that you can walk around it in half an hour but plenty of places to eat and drink.
I took my camera of course and almost always shot in b/w mode with my Canon f1.8 50mm lens. I cheated a little as I used RAW+Jpeg mode but I’m happy with the results. RAW lets me recover the colour information while the Jpeg records a useful b/w image I can check against during post processing.
I love that 50mm lens but rarely use it so a whole holiday was a challenge. With such a short depth of field it’s really important getting the focus point right. I usually used the center point or a side point rather than trust the matrix to pick out the right one!
FidoNet Lives On
I’m amazed that FidoNet is still going. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t remember my FidoNet address and my BBS isn’t listed anywhere. Must look harder I guess. Meanwhile, if you had a modem in the 90’s (in Ireland) you’ll recognise the names here!
THE ONLINE GUIDE TO:
Irelands Computer Based OnLine Services
Version 4b Date: 25.07.1994
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Service Name : Connect-Ireland (aka TOPPSI) HRS 24
Data Number : (01)-6711047 V21/22/22bis/32/HST
: (01)-6773547(Lines 2/3/4) V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Fidonet Node : 2:263/151
Sysop : David Doyle
Note : Connect-Ireland concentrates on community, youth,
: education and social topics. Official Apogee
: distribution site. GreenNet and K-12 links.
: Lines 2 to 4 are 'banked' on the same phone number.
: Internet Email access as @toppsi.gn.apc.org
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Service Name : Nemesis' Dungeon HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 832 4755 HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: (01) 832 6900* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/V.FC
FidoNet Node : 2:263/150, 2:26/0, 2:263/0
Sysop : Andrew Mowatt
Note : Fax: (01) 832 3966. Amiga based with DLGPro. Multi
computer support. PC, Amiga, UNIX and Comms, and
Developers Echos amongst others. This unique BBS is
also home of the Region 26 FidoNet Co-Ordinator! New
Echoes added. New online games just added.
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Service Name : GiBBS - Irelands Biggest BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 839-3644 (MultiLine) V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: (01) 832-1673* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/32Terbo
: (01) 839-3649 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/V.FastClass
FidoNet Node : 2:263/79
Sysop : Des Gibbons
Note : Largest amount of PC files in Ireland. DOS & Windows,
The latest Games, Utilities, Drivers, etc.
Many International message areas. FAX: (01) 832-1673
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Service Name : Commodore Users Group of Ireland HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 283-2829* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/155
Sysop : Jamie Ruane. Colin Dalton
Note : Multi computer support using an Amiga with DLG Pro.
Support for all Commodore computers. Excellent ANSI
screens, file areas and echos. New echoes added.
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Service Name : The Highway to Hell HRS: 10PM - 8AM
Data Number : (01) 847-5217* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/154
Sysop : Iain Black
Note : Multi computer support. Amiga and C64 concentration.
The new CompuTimes Echo was added providing a link
between you and the CompuTimes journalists to voice
your opinions on general computer topics. This BBS
hosts the CompuTimes Echo.
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Service Name : Infomatique HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 872-1232* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/Supra
: (01) 872-1329 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/US Robotics
FidoNet Node : 2:263/152
Sysop : Eddy Carroll. Co-Sysop Aidan Hollinshead
Note : Multi computer support. Amiga and PC concentrations.
Heavy Amiga file areas. Also PC DOS and Windows
file areas. Online games and loads of mail areas.
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Service Name : Alien Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 280-0742 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/157
Sysop : Gavin McConnon
Note : The space cadets dream! Run on Amiga using DLG Pro.
Has excellent Star Trek Echo. New Echos have been
added recently. Excellent ANSI opening screen. Loads
of echomail areas. Soon upgrading to HST!
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Service Name : E.M.N. - Electronic Media Network HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 661-1433* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/153
Sysop : Keith Whyte
Notes : Multi computer support. If you like music this is the
BBS for you. Specialises in music, entertainment, and
the Arts. Gateways for Liffey Arts and other private
gateways. The largest collection of MIDI files known
along with recently updated excellent ANSI screens.
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Service Name : Game Storm BBS HRS: 9PM - 11AM
Data Number : (01) 492-0224* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/156
Sysop : Declan Lynch
Note : A BBS for a computer games store. New Echo's coming
online soon. Plenty of games and public domain and
shareware files available. Uses JCQWK mailer.
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Service Name : DNA BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 454-9029 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Martin Shortall. Kieran Reilly.
Note : Atari ST based. **Back online** Has more areas than
ever before. Nice online screens too!
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Service Name : S.I.X. HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 678-9000* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/167
Sysop : Stephen Kearon
Note : Agents in Ireland for McAfee software, Alcom and the
Zyxel brands. EMail Internet access available.
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Service Name : Infonet Services HRS: 24
Data Number : (021) 892-582* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: (021) 29-4914 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/201
Sysop : Dairmaid O'Cadhla
Note : A commercial system based in Cork
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Service Name : Special Projects HRS: 24
Data Number : (051) 50-143* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/402
Sysop : John McCormac
Note : Multi computer support. Specialises in projects for
TV,Satellite communications, and HAM radio amongst
other things.
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Service Name : Reflex AV BBS HRS: 24AM-9AM
Data Number : (051) 83771
FidoNet Node : 2:263/401
Sysop : Richard Foley
Note : Waterford based BBS specialising in security issues
especially concerned with Anti-Virus topics.
ThunderByte distributor
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Service Name : STYX HRS: 24
Data Number : (061) 338-228* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/271
Sysop : John McKeon
Note : PC Based BBS. Limerick based. Multi computer support.
Loads of iles. Now using Vfast modem!
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Service Name : Deep Space Nine/Techbase HRS: 24
Data Number : (066) 28929* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/250
Sysop : John Buswell
Note : A BBS dedicated to EchoMail with over 400 areas. Has
special interest areas - Star Trek, Techincal Support
and Electronics. Loads of online games and with free
access to all users.
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Service Name : The Village HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-602972* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/509
Sysop : Harry Broderick
Note : Multi computer support
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Service Name : InterCommCubed HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-504-372925* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/333
Sysop : Desmond O Connor
Note : A Toppsi mirror board in Derry
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Service Name : Yukon Ho! HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-768163* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: 080-232-763639 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/59
Sysop : Mark Kerr
Note : Multi computer support. Belfast based. Loads of new
files every week direct from the USA and other places
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Service Name : Quasar HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-846-693067* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/10
Sysop : David Byrne
Note : Multi computer support. Co.Down based BBS
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Service Name : Starship Enterprise HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-763014* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/21
Sysop : Gerry Martin
Note : Multi computer support. Belfast based
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Service Name : NIBBS HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-662-247291* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/70
Sysop : John Marrow
Note : Multi computer support. Co. Tyrone based.
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Service Name : Nautilus HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-431514
FidoNet Node : 2:243/510
Sysop : Ian Moran
Note : This is a ** MAIL ONLY SYSTEM ** in Belfast not a
Bulletin Board.
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Service Name : The Heart of Gold HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-247-274919 HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/13.0
Sysop : Colin Turner
Note : Bangor based BBS. Very nice!Extremely helpfull sysop.
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Service Name : Ireland On Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (091) 592722 ZYXEL/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Barry Flanagan
Note : A commercial system based in Galway
Full Internet access available
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Service Name : Ireland On Line [Dublin Access Number] HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 671-5185 ZYXEL/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Barry Flanagan
Note : As for Ireland On Line in Galway
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Service Name : BIX ONLINE SERVICE [Dublin Access Number] HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 661-4466 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : BIX USA
Note : Full duplex, 9600bps, 8 data bits, no parity.
You must register with BIX to get access. Register
for BIX now by using your modem on +001-617-4915410.
Have your AMEX, Visa or Access card handy! Limited
EMail Internet Access available free WHEN REGISTERED.
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Service Name : FrEd Mail HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 288-9783 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Conor McHale. Tom O'Brian. Damien Cox
Note : Mac BBS with Multi computer support. Specialises in
Free Educational Mail for schools between European,
Australian and Atlantic sites. Educational Use Only.
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Service Name : Horizon/AST Support On Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 671-6755 ****PROBABLY OFFLINE****
Sysop : Unknown
Note : Terminal Emulation=VT100 or compatible at 9600bps.
Provides AST technical bulletins, system utilities,
flash bios updates and useful utilities for AST users
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Service Name : DELL Support BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 286-6902
Sysop : Unknown
Note : A Dell Corp. BBS service for users and specifiers of
Dell computer based equipment. Do not call between
2am-3.30am as it is processing Dell's Intermail.
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Service Name : Gateway Support BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 867-0433
Sysop : Unknown
Note : A Gateway BBS service for users and specifiers of
Gateway computer based equipment.
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Service Name : Moretec Support BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 450-9644 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Georges Vancauwenbergh
Note : A support BBS for users/purchasers of Moretec equip.
Members only are able to download shareware files.
Excellent ANSI colour screens right the way through.
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Service Name : EXEC HRS: 24
Data Number : (061) 229-998 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Donal O Beirne
Note : Multi computer support. Concentrates on mix of Home
and Games users. Loads of files available. Agents for
Moretec in West/Midlands of Ireland.
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Service Name : i-Com Gateway HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 679-8924 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Unknown
Note : A commercial gateway to the USA at $25 per hour. When
connected type 'o' then 'i-com' to sign up. Leased
Lines direct to USA allowing you to log onto many of
the BBS in the USA.
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Service Name : CAD On Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (021) 500-632
Sysop : David Burke
Note : Provides support for AutoDesk and CADCO product
ranges for Registered Users
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Service Name : QuarterDeck International HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 284-4381 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : George Hanratty
Note : International QuarterDeck Support Board. Has patches,
utilities for DesqView, XApps, etc. Technical
Bulletins and customer fixes. Facility for different
languages online - French, German or English.
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Service Name : Creative Labs BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 820-3784 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/158.0
Sysop : Marcel Evans
Note : Technical Support Board connected to FidoNet!
Latest drivers and utilities for Creative's products
---------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE:
* = DO NOT call these marked numbers during ZMH
ZMH = Zone Mailing Hour is currently 3.30am to 4.30am. Do not call
FidoNet Nodes during these hours.
HRS = Times available. Do not call outside of these hours
Sysops have a life too.
All systems are 8-N-1 [8 Data Bits-No Parity-1 Stop Bit) unless
stated. Data numbers are in local area format. Outside of Rep.
of Ireland please use +353--.
If you are new to computing/comms, please read the New User Bulletins
carefully. You can access a FidoNet Node in a different Zone with
Credits - see your Sysop for information. Zones are divided into
world regions. Grateful thanks to all who actively participated in
compiling this list especially users and the Sysop of 2:263/150 and
to those Sysops/BBS that currently have this file. Permission to
reproduce this list is granted as long as the source is acknowledged
(c)1994 Aidan Henderson. E+OE.
Any corrections/updates please netmail me at FidoNet Node 2:263/150
Sherlock and Smith and copyright images
Remember how Lamar Smith, sponsor of SOPA, used a copyrighted image for his website’s background image without permission? Sean Sherlock, the junior minister preparing Ireland’s SOPA did something similar on his website (which is currently down).
Stop Ireland’s SOPA
Before the end of this month the Irish Government will introduce a very vague copyright protection law. It won’t be debated in the Dáil as it will be enacted by a ministerial order. Protection of copyright is a laudable endeavour but when so little is known about the amendment or how it’s implemented it’s impossible to figure out how it will affect us. Once IRMA get a whiff of any more power or influence you just know they’re going to abuse it! Remember the infamous “3 strikes” rule?
Before I go any further, here’s how you can help. Sign this petition or use this contact form or this list to contact your local TD to express your misgivings and anger at this law being pushed through so quickly.
From the stopsopireland.com website:
SOPA is the name of a piece of US legislation, the Stop Online Piracy Act, recently proposed in the US. It caused an Internet-wide outcry due to its far-reaching implications; way beyond simply closing access to outlaw file sharing websites, it would have enabled law enforcement to block access to entire internet domains due to infringing material posted on a single blog or webpage.
A similar proposal is about to become law in Ireland. And while 7 million Americans contacted their representatives to say No to SOPA in the US, Irish citizens will not get that chance because the new law in Ireland is not being voted on in the Oireachtas.
Instead, the law is being enacted by ministerial order. This new law will give music and movie companies the legal leverage to force Irish ISPs like UPC, Eircom and mobile networks to block access to sites suspected of having copyrighted material on them. It also means judges can order ISPs to block access to sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter where an individual user from anywhere in the world has shared infringing material.
As I mentioned in my Wikipedia post, this law might already be illegal:
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered a landmark case for protecting free speech in the fight against online piracy. In a decision issued today on the Scarlet Extended SA v SABAM case, the Court stated that web filtering systems used to prevent illegal downloading on peer-to-peer networks was incompatible with fundamental human rights.
Minister Sean Sherlock will be on drivetime (RTE Radio 1) after 6pm this evening to talk about this law. I hope he comes to his senses.
Oh, it is very easy to bypass any spying the music and movie industries force on Irish ISPs. All you need is an encrypted tunnel to a remote host outside the country. If Irish ISPs ban users from using tools like that then you can say goodbye to a huge number of IT jobs. I rely on these tools every single day of the week to do my work.
More links:
- Ireland’s SOPA FAQ plus comments here
- An Irish SOPA: More haste, less speed?
- Boards.ie: Possible Irish SOPA Law? :/
- Stop SOPA Ireland WordPress plugin
- NoSOPAIreland on Twitter and follow the #stopsopaireland hashtag.
- SOPA, Internet regulation, and the economics of piracy
No doubt piracy is costing the content industries something—or they wouldn’t be throwing so much money at Congress in support of this kind of legislation. If we could wave a magic wand and have less piracy, obviously that would be good. But in the real world, where enforcement has direct costs to the taxpayer, regulation has costs on the industries it burdens, and the reduction in piracy they’re likely to produce is very small, it seems important to point out that the credible evidence for the magnitude of the harm is fairly thin.
On the data available so far, though, reports of the death of the industry seem much exaggerated.
Next in the firing line of laws that will limit consumer freedoms is ACTA but let’s get one bad law stopped before we move on to the next one, ok?
The image above taken from No Shit, Sherlock website. Thanks Sean Sherlock.
Boqueria mini review
We had a most delicious meal in Boqueria, Bridge St. Cork this evening. It’s a tapas, wine and cocktail bar that serves delicious food and I’m sure the alcohol tastes nice too but I only had a sip of my wife’s white wine. Staff are super friendly too and even though they squash people in there you should try it out. Recommended!
Futureproof on Newstalk
This morning there was a compilation of interviews from the science radio show Futureproof on Newstalk. It’s a show that broadcasts at 6pm on a Sunday evening and so I’ve hardly ever listened to it. No more, I subscribed to the show podcasts. Hard enough finding the xml feed. You have to listen to a show and in the Flash interface click on the XML link!
Good interview with Richard Dawkins during the year too.