Author Archives: Ian

Artificial intelligence cannot cope with teenage boys

Posted on 10th May 2023 by Ian

The Financial Times carries an article stating that ‘AI will create a serious number of losers.’  The article states that AI tools ‘will shake up everything from medical diagnostics to teaching and copywriting, a range of jobs will be eradicated.’ … Continue reading →

Posted in The stuff of daily life | 4 Comments

Happy to talk

Posted on 8th May 2023 by Ian

The four boys sat around the table talking, there was not a phone in sight. I went over to them and said how encouraging it was that they were content to just happy to talk. Talking was a serious business … Continue reading →

Posted in Unreliable memories | Leave a comment

Beltane in Glastonbury

Posted on 29th April 2023 by Ian

On Monday, it will be the first day of May, a bank holiday Monday The last time May Day fell on  Monday, a trip to Glastonbury brought an encounter with a large crowd gathered to mark the pagan festival of … Continue reading →

Posted in Out and about | Leave a comment

Foreign voices

Posted on 25th April 2023 by Ian

‘Where are you from, sir?’ I have given up saying that I have lived thirty-six of the last forty years of my life in Ireland. ‘England,’ I said. ‘Where in England?’ ‘Somerset,’ I said. Except when I was back in … Continue reading →

Posted in Out and about | 4 Comments

Cost the Earth Day

Posted on 22nd April 2023 by Ian

Earth Day? More like Cost the Earth Day. It’s about taxes and more taxes. If I drove around the country in a Toyota Hiace van that had a broken back light, and leaked oil so much that pressing on the … Continue reading →

Posted in This sceptred isle | 3 Comments