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Eurovision isn't about real music

Wed, 30 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

No, no, no, no - and again no. Euphoria by Sweden's Loreen (a strange cross between Kate Bush and Claudia Winkleman) shouldn't have won because it sounds just like something you'd hear on the radio.

Why Prince Philip is not figure of fun but a true diamond

Wed, 30 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

As the nation prepares for a huge street party - polls show ever increasing support for the monarchy and the 'annus horribilus' era seems more and more like a bizarre dream - spare a thought for Prince Philip.

Sol scores with his Euro racism warning

Wed, 30 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Well done to Sol Campbell for advising fans to stay home for the forthcoming European championship due to the entrenched nature of racism and violence in Poland and the Ukraine.

Expulsion of diplomats pushes Syria – and Russia – further out into the cold

Wed, 30 May 2012 04:45:54 GMT

The expulsion of diplomats always looks like a weedy response to an atrocity, particularly one as outrageous as the murder of children at Houla.

Bolly good show was for such a great cause

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:11:12 GMT

The inaugural Miss Bollywood Northern Ireland competition took place last weekend, bringing a spectacular array of exotic colour and style to the Ramada Hotel at Shaw's Bridge.

Bolly good show was for such a great cause‘

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:11:12 GMT

The inaugural Miss Bollywood Northern Ireland competition took place last weekend, bringing a spectacular array of exotic colour and style to the Ramada Hotel at Shaw's Bridge.

Can Stormont closed shop lead us to future we crave?

Tue, 29 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

It is becoming more evident by the day that the Stormont coalition of five parties is really a stitch-up between the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein. The decision-making process over the Girdwood site in north Belfast illustrates the manner in which the Executive works.

The West is horrified by children's slaughter now. Soon we'll forget

Tue, 29 May 2012 00:29:57 GMT

Bashar al-Assad will get away with it. He got away with Deraa. He got away with Homs. And he'll get away with Houla. So will the armed opposition to the regime, along with al-Qa'ida and any other outfits joining in Syria's tragedy.

No slim times at Jubilee parties

Mon, 28 May 2012 09:15:20 GMT

The average waist size of a woman in the UK has expanded from 28 inches to 34 inches since the Queen’s been on the throne.

Give naff summer fashions short shrift

Mon, 28 May 2012 09:11:52 GMT

I’m not a fashionista. I admit that. My favourite clothing label is probably “Elasticated Waist for Extra Comfort and Fit”.

Take heart, even Big Brother doesn’t know what he’s doing

Mon, 28 May 2012 09:10:52 GMT

Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that “They” aren’t really in control. I mean, big business, the rich, the 1%, “Them”, the ones that aren’t “us”.

Eurovision's host likes things puny or phoney. Perfect

Mon, 28 May 2012 05:53:36 GMT

I didn't watch The Eurovision Song Contest. Actually, I'm not sure I've ever seen it, but I'm certain that it's not for me.

The going price of getting away with murder... would $33m be enough?

Mon, 28 May 2012 05:23:17 GMT

La Clinton hath spoken. Thirty-three million smackers lopped off Pakistan's aid budget because its spooks banged up poor old Dr Shakeel Afridi for 33 years after a secret trial.

Good vibes about Belfast film

Sat, 26 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Big day next Thursday, when the Belfast Film Festival launches with the premiere of a film I hope will challenge the way the outside world sees the people who lived through the Troubles.

Mum's the word for Jen's woe

Sat, 26 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

She's a Hollywood A-lister who looks a decade younger than she is, which would usually make her unpopular among the grumpy, envious (i.e. normal) Earth folk. But somehow Jennifer Aniston has remained a woman we can empathise with, and not just because most of her films flop.

Why my kids feel Olympics are not the real thing now

Sat, 26 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

I did quite well in my school exams, but the only thing for which I can confidently say I stood out like a beacon among my fellow pupils was my record-breaking 100-metres dash.

Think your money is legal tender? Don’t bank on it

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:47:52 GMT

Readers have a habit of shining spotlights on unexpected issues that throw up interesting queries. Or, on occasion, a downright can of worms.

Immortality has a mind of its own

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Now, who'd like their brain put into a machine? Hmm, no takers? Fair enough. But I don't mean a washing machine or something that mangles your heid.

Having a laugh, are you, Posh?

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

I gotta tell you this: I'm not photogenic. All right, good call, I look like a muppet anyway. But it's not just the way you look. It's your expression. Because I dislike having my picture taken, fear and loathing of the event is usually evident in my eyelobes.

Why bringing up our kids should be child's play... or maybe it's not

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Nurse, the screens! Yup, top experts have issued new warnings about kiddies watching nothing but tellies and computers, while real life flits by unnoticed outside.

World must open its eyes and see Israel for what it is

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Why pick on Israel when there's so much injustice in the rest of the world? The answer is to be found in the specific circumstances which gave rise to the launch of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign in July 2005.

For once Stormont could be spending money wisely

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

There is still over-spending at Stormont. A recent advertisement for a First Legislative Counsel in the Office of the First and deputy First Minister offers a salary of up to £205,000 - but we have a highly-paid attorney-general to offer the Government legal advice. Still, it is wrong to cry 'waste' every time a penny is spent.

PR machine is driving Sinn Fein power push

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Sinn Fein's ard fheis opens in Killarney tomorrow. Like most conferences held by successful political parties, it is a well-managed set-piece. It is a PR event and it is aimed at the voters watching on TV.

Liz is certainly no yummy mummy

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Liz Hurley has certainly made a new man out of Shane Warne who has been transformed, since they started stepping out together, into a vision of primped, polished, moisturised and exfoliated weirdness.

Those self-service supermarket tills do not ring my bell

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

It may have taken a while but finally till bells have sounded the alarm to major store chains that customers really do not like self-service checkouts in shops.