BLOG TAKES A BREAK

Available for freelance writing commissions on a variety of subjects including family history, nostalgic Belfast and its famous people, shops, shoppers & shopping, the golden age of Hollywood (esp westerns) and humorous pieces on life's weird and wonderful. Op-eds, columns, non-fiction book reviews too. 

CV of published material available on request.

joecushnan@aol.com & @JoeCushnan

There will not be any new postings on this blog for a while.

I have a major 2019/2020 research and writing project to complete, as well as several much smaller sideline jobs to work on, and any tasty newspaper/magazine commission requests that arrive.

In December, look out for some of my writings in Reality and Ireland's Own magazines, and some new online poetry that has been kindly accepted for publication.

Anyone wanting to get in touch - joecushnan@aol.com

Until the next time, happy trails. 

ROLE MODELS - WHERE ARE YOU?

I fear for the younger generation and generations to come because politics and political leadership have become grubbier than they have ever been, and lying, cheating and bullshitting leadership is becoming the norm.  

The UK is off and running with a General Election and savagery, nastiness and chicanery will be front and centre. Promises and pledges will pour out like sewage from a burst pipe and come the morning after the results that deafening noise we will all hear will be the sound of manifestos being shredded on an industrial scale.

Savage media (formerly known as social media) has killed the very notion of a positive, inspirational role model to lead with vision, integrity and humanity.

The percentage of people who vote should think very carefully where they put their X.

The percentage of people who are eligible to vote but don't bother should be ashamed of themselves.

Nowadays, democracy should be spelled deMOCKracy. And how desperately sad is that?

Positive, inspirational role models, where are you?

NOVEMBER FEATURE WRITING IDEAS

Available for freelance writing commissions on a variety of subjects including family history, nostalgic Belfast and its famous people, shops, shoppers & shopping, the golden age of Hollywood (esp westerns) and humorous pieces on life's weird and wonderful. Op-eds, columns, non-fiction book reviews too. 

CV of published material available on request.

joecushnan@aol.com & @JoeCushnan

I can write a piece on any or all of the following - joecushnan@aol.com

1 Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley was UK number one 50 years ago

12 Grace Kelly was born 90 years ago. Died at 52 in 1982

12 New York's Ellis Island immigration entry point closed 65 years ago

16 Anthony Blunt revealed as the "fourth man" in the Cambridge spy ring 40 years ago.
18 Ben-Hur film was released 60 years ago

19 The first UK National Lottery draw took place 25 years ago

21 Televised House of Commons proceedings began 30 years ago

21 Quentin Crisp died at 90 20 years ago

22 President Kennedy assassinated in Texas 56 years ago

25 John Lennon handed back his MBE 50 years ago

30 Pink Floyd released The Wall album 40 years ago