Fascinating story about how a Starbucks campaign in South Korea led to mass boycotts. It seems that thoughtless AI usage is central to the problems. Shock! www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...

All six of the O’Connors got out of the rain and went to see John Carney’s new film Power Ballad yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyable time and some deadly songs. At 90 mins, it doesn’t wear out it’s welcome either! Well worth the time

So many things of today’s geopolitical problems are caused by the British Empire drawing lines on maps, clapping their hands and saying “well that’s sorted. Huzzah!”

Jenny O'Connor and I spoke with @carlhartley.co.uk for the latest episode of the EPOD podcast. We chatted about creating podcasts in a university space, some of the challenges but also the benefits. Available in all the usual podcast places morleyradio.co.uk/programmes/e... #PodcastStudies #Academia

If Helen McEntee (Irish foreign minister) was seen mocking bound & gagged Israeli citizens, she’d be rightly condemned. But it’d never happen, because no serious or empathetic person would ever do this. Once again Ben-Gvir displays his true colours. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...

I recently sat down with Mary O'Neill for the first episode of CourseCast, the new podcast from South East Technological University, to talk about the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science. Worth a listen if you're considering a career in tech - or know someone who is. podcasts.setu.ie/podcasts/com...

Was digging around in a backpack this morning and found my wife Jenny’s old iPod mini. Have no idea if it still works, the hot pink metallic finish is cool looking. Back from a time when devices were getting smaller …

Vile.

OK. @reckless.bsky.social has managed to articulate many muddled thoughts I've had about AI. I'm a software guy, a tech nerd - but the hype and discourse around GenAI technologies gives me the ick. I couldn't put a name on it, but Nilay sums it up perfectly here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RKG...

On YouTube, I keep being served ads for "comfortable" sandals and Old Spice. Is the algorithm is trying to tell me something?

If you see this post something Orange

I hate the word “content”. I use the term myself sometimes and I cringe whenever I do. That’s my confessional for the day. Feels good to get it off my chest

This is what it sounds like, when doves cry #Prince

In 2021, two students and I made a radio documentary / podcast about vinyl records. Jotted down a few thoughts about it now that five years have gone by .... roboconnor.ie/still-playin...

I’m thoroughly enjoying Star Wars Maul: Shadow Lord. Watching it with my 10 year old and she’s all in. The art style is next level. Well worth a watch

Moyà Brennan RIP. As a youngfella, I remember my parents playing Harry’s Game and the Robin Hood theme. She sounded like a voice from another world. Years later I discovered albums like the Magical Ring and knew that Clannad really were something special. Respect

Johnny Cash having a cigarette outside of Folsom Prison in California, 1968. by Dan Poush/AP.

We have been discovered!!! www.waterford-news.ie/news/i-found...

I totally get how many people are distressed, alarmed and seriously at risk due to fuel price increases. However, the leaders of this protest are a fucking disgrace. They are causing untold harm to people and to the economy, without having done even the most basic analysis of the problem.

One of the ways protests work is by sheer numbers. It takes a lot of people to block a city, ergo a lot of people feel strongly about an issue. When 11 fascists with massive vehicles block a motorway it presents a disproportionate picture of the level of support.

Got a lot out of today’s SETU session on Ireland’s open research path to 2030+. The enthusiasm from @civicmichael.bsky.social was palpable and @drfairytalesci.bsky.social’s call for co‑conspirators was inspiring. There’s plenty to ponder (and act on) from @engagedroadmap.bsky.social

G’wan Kate O’Connor!!! To run a PB in the 800m at the end of the pentathlon is unreal!!! #Legend

There’s a lot of broad assumptions, leaps and false equivalences in #MariaSteen’s article in today’s @irishtimes.com. Suffice to say, she’s no craic at all. #StPatricksDay

Are you a feminist and podcaster? We are seeking women & gender-diverse podcasters (Europe, North America, Latin America) to share their experiences of podcasting as political action & transmission. 👉 Your participation in our short survey is appreciated! rug.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

I was today-years-old when I learned that The Happy Mondays' Step On is actually a cover of a 1970s South African rock tune. Thanks #BBC6Music! Every day is a school day ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJER...

There’s a collection of very sound and talented people playing in Phil Grimes’ Waterford this Saturday night. It’s a tribute to our friend Paul who died suddenly at the start of the year. It’s also a fundraiser for his family. If you’re free, please come on down ie.powertik.com/en/events/a-...

Really enjoyed the first episode of new podcast 'Living Culture, Making Heritage.' It made me think about what open access really means (or doesn't mean!) in terms of information. Kudos to @kilmun.bsky.social @ecocritickate.bsky.social @scopeland.bsky.social www.diggitmagazine.com/colonial-leg...

I am reminded of this cartoon from the dotcom bubble (> 25 years ago) every day I see/hear/read about more insane AI spending. Original illustration by Tony Kelly

I was today-years-old when I learned that Led Zepplin’s John Paul Jones did the string arrangements on REM’s Automatic for the People. Despite having loved the album nearly my whole life! Just never read the credits before … had a home-copy tape back in the day. I did buy it on CD, but y’know …

I'm probably a dinosaur here, but I have no interest in video podcasts. The appeal of audio is that I can also be doing other eyes-busy hands-busy activities while listening. Each to their own, but video takes away a fundamental aspect of podcasting for me - may as well be YouTube

I found 2x2GB sticks of DDR3 RAM in a drawer. I’ll start the bidding at €1m …

Today I learned that the Irish word for "podcast" is podchroaltaí, coming from craoladh (meaning broadcast). There you go now. podcasts.setu.ie

Post your favourite Lord of the Rings character. Wrong answers only.

Those with a Waterford connection might have known Paul O'Brien, heard him sing/play, or enjoyed a pint in his company. A GoFundMe has been created to help out with things after his untimely passing. If you're in a position to spare any amount, it would be greatly appreciated - thank you 🙏

The shore is pretty wild and beautiful in Dunmore East this morning

An earthy night of poetry and song in Phil Grimes tonight, courtesy of David Keenan & friends. Much love to @subtsounds.bsky.social for keeping the fires lit

Northern lights putting on an impromptu show in Waterford

Saw 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple this evening. Really enjoyed it - very tight and sometimes mad. You can read as much subtext as you like. I suspect many non-UK/Irish audiences will miss the Jimmy Saville stuff. Ralph Fiennes puts in some shift. Worth a watch - unless very squeamish

“Apps should not include content that is offensive, insensitive, upsetting, intended to disgust, in exceptionally poor taste, or just plain creepy.” - unless the app undresses images of children and is owned by Elon Musk

As we collectively bask in the glow of Jessie Buckley's brilliance, let us remember the gorgeous album she casually recorded with Bernard Butler back in 2022. For All Our Days That Tear The Heart is just beautiful. There's nothing this woman can't do

It's strange to read about yourself in the 3rd person! Back in December I sat down with the wonderful Rebecca Graham of @siliconrepublic.bsky.social for a chat about my work on academic podcasting, science communication and the research I'm doing with Owen Conlan towards my PhD #podcasting #research

Stay classy San Diego

My office for the evening 😃 🕺🔥

Once again @newyorker.com, OBJECTIONS

Some phone footage of last night’s #Kuduro rehearsal. Performing live in Bank Lane (Waterford) on the 30th Dec. If you fancy a post-Christmas boogie, we have you covered. Tickets from banklane.ie

This is one of the most terrifying articles I’ve ever read www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...

Imagine how much happier we’d all be if everyone just ignored he-who-shall-not-be-named. What a total cunt

The headline shoukd be “AI slop is ruining everything” IMO www.theverge.com/report/83950...

Will #Eurovision recover from this? The EBU have demonstrated complete hypocrisy. I hope more countries follow the example of Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland.

Tell me you have children without telling me you have children … #Replay2025