Thomil's Random Ramblings

There’s something that’s seemingly popped up everywhere since the lockdown started here in Ireland. And no, I’m not referring to the proliferation of covidiots, conspiracy theorists and other dipshits that seem to spring up from under every rock. I’m talking about coffee trucks. Whether it’s in a converted trailer, at the back of a vintage truck, or in some other mobile contraption, these things have seemingly spread all over Corks parks over the last year or so. Well, what few parks there are, but that’s a whole other debate. And as you would expect, this has caused quite a bit of criticism, but not for the reasons one might expect. Yep, trailers like this one are what all the fuss is about. You see, much of the criticism isn’t aimed at the fact that many of these coffee trucks don’t provide any bins or any places to sit, or that they seem to be almost completely unregulated, all of which are completely valid points that should be addressed. No, the main point of criticism I’ve heard ...

Cities change. That’s no great secret to anyone who has more than a hand full of working brain cells. With that change also comes the fact that buildings, shops, or other places you may have come accustomed to simply fade away, relocating, closing due to old age or other reasons, and that new businesses move in. This is normal, change and evolution are the two most fundamental driving forces in life. Resisting these forces is impossible over any extended period of time, and those that try will get crushed in the attempt sooner or later. That doesn‘t stop many from trying though. The latest threat to the "Irish way of life"? Here in Cork, a frequent target of this ire has been something seemingly innocent: cafés. Yes, you read that right, and no, I didn‘t sprinkle any LSD into your coffee! And no, we‘re not just talking about the big chains like Costa, Caffe Nero, or Starbucks here, but independent cafés as well. It seems that for some, the very concept of a coffee hou...