Latest news with #DwightDEisenhower
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: Listening is an important precursor to change
There was much proverbial gnashing of teeth and rending of raiment by environmental lobbyists when it was recently suggested that Ireland will miss its climate targets. Ireland, as with many other states, has committed itself legally to transition to net zero by 2050. Financial penalties — to be paid to the EU — are put variously between €8bn and €26bn in an admonitory report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council. Future historians and legal students will no doubt debate the wisdom of committing to onerous and binding financial punishment on targets which are 25 years away. The list of missed goals, cost over-runs, and deadline failures, even of the last decade, is far too long to be catalogued here. As we noted the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the largest collaborative operation in human history, on Friday it is worth recalling the words of its commander general (later US president) Dwight D Eisenhower. He was fond of saying: 'Plans are useless but planning is indispensable.' It is in that context that we must recognise a court judgement which applies some constraints to corporate rights over those of individuals irrespective of the size, and urgency, of the environmental challenges we face. A judgement handed down by Mr Justice Oisín Quinn sent something of a chilly breeze through an industry which has lately been basking in the sunshine of progress after Irish windfarms provided 38% of the country's electricity over the first three months of 2025. But in this case operators of a windfarm in Co Wexford have been ordered to shut down three of their turbines and pay €360,000 damages to a couple over their commercial response to noise and nuisance complaints covering a dozen years. ABO Energy Ireland Ltd and ABO Energy O&M Ireland Ltd, operators of the wind farm at Gibbet Hill, near Bunclody, along with its owner, Wexwind Ltd, also face a potential legal costs bill of €2.3m incurred by Raymond Byrne and Lorna Moorhead in their case. In a 100-page judgement, Mr Justice Quinn, who refused to permit a stay to allow three turbines closest to the couple's home to partially operate in fixed hours, said the defendants failed to engage 'in any meaningful way' with the 'genuine and substantive' complaints made by the couple since the turbines became operational in 2013. The judge added that the defendants' 'seriously unimpressive' approach represented a threat to the goal of developing wind farms and wind energy here. Addressing wind turbine noise in a substantial way was seen as 'critical' to the future success of wind as a major source of renewable energy. This was 'one of the worst cases of wind farm noise impact', he added. While the Bunclody case may be, as was suggested, 'an outlier' it is an important reminder of the need for consensus and agreement on changes which may have major and unforeseen impacts on people's lives. To that end, it would be prudent to extend the consultation period over the proposed route for Cork's Luas line from Ballincollig to Mahon Point which is destined to radically reshape the city's transport options for the next 100 years. Following what was described as a 'lively' public meeting, Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been asked to give people affected longer to study the 75-page technical report and feasibility study. A deadline was originally set for Monday for consultation. While flow charts, and pinch points, and traffic management schemes may be the meat and drink of civil engineers, logistical experts, surveyors, and the like, they can take a little longer for the ordinary citizen to digest. The opportunity to ask questions and receive answers is an important part of this process. Spending time on it now is a critical investment in the future. Tracking the sad history of rail death As we recently pointed out, railways can be dangerous places. There has always been a risk around trains, and one which long predated the establishment of Iarnród Éireann 38 years ago. The perils involved in working within the industry is dramatically illustrated in an ambitious data project initiated by Britain's National Archive — which has analysed, and made freely available online, records of railway worker accidents from 1900 to 1915 and from 1921 to 1939. It's a Microsoft Excel-based treasure trove for the amateur genealogist and one which will be expanded over the years as part of the Railway Work, Life & Death project, run by the University of Portsmouth, the National Railway Museum, and the Modern Records Centre. Irish connections can be filtered. In a time before health and safety legislation, there are many sad tales. The goods porter who was struck on the head by the hook of a steam crane; the Dublin shunter crushed when coupling some wagons; and to give the dangers a contemporary feel, the guard killed while crossing the line with parcels at Birdhill Station in Tipperary. It's an impressive piece of voluntary work and the researchers would like to hear from anyone who has a story to tell or some artefacts to contribute. To be or not to be. What is the question? The secondary school principal who has pointed out that an increasing number of students no longer see college as a guaranteed route to a job, house, and financial stability may be something of a voice in the wilderness. However, we are often wise to listen to such opinions. Áine Moran, of Sancta Maria College in Louisburgh, Co Mayo, said the Leaving Cert class of 2025 is no longer focused solely on Central Applications Office points. While education has great merits, it is no longer true that it protects a young person from poverty; and it may never pertain again. 'A lot of the traditional roles education brought people to today mean they still can't afford a house' says Ms Moran. 'The young people this Leaving Cert year are very savvy. Many feel they don't want to risk going to college to do a course and spend years learning a function for a job that can be done by AI in four years.' Second guessing where AI is taking us can be a debilitating experience but it is no surprise that so many believe that the route to riches, if not exactly security, lies through the computer screen. Many young people, says Ms Moran, are interested in building online businesses and being profitable 'influencers' on YouTube and TikTok. 'Some are making a lot of money,' she adds. At this age, it is a bad idea to rain on anyone's parade and there is perhaps a subliminal recognition of the modes of modern communication in some of this year's test papers. Particularly controversial has been the inclusion within Junior Cycle English of a short story question. It asked the examinee to comment on how the use of a setting had a vital influence on a short story they had studied. Although there has been an explosive resurgence in the popularity of short stories in recent years, some academic critics view them largely as a stepping stone to more detailed novels requiring deeper analysis. Other criticisms were applied to a question that asked students to imagine they are a contributor to a podcast. We must deal in the creative lexicon of our times and there is no doubt that podcasts, and audiobooks, have stimulated interest in literature in general. The examiners strived to keep matters topical by including a speech from Margaret Attwood and an extract from the 2024 Booker Prize winner Orbital. It's easy to imagine that the Shakespearean text King Lear — which asked students to construct a discussion between two characters — could easily be set as a Black Mirror encounter between Goneril and Regan. Is there a showrunner in the house? Ms Moran says her main advice to students is to get their Leaving Cert in their back pocket. Many more people are pursuing trade-focused courses such as architecture, construction, and engineering. There has been a 25% increase in nursing applications and a 41% rise in people choosing dentistry. In the future, nearly everyone will have more than one career. We need you all. That's what education should give you ... the ability to choose. Read More Irish Examiner view: Cameras could contribute to road safety
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
4 days ago
- General
- First Post
History Today: How Normandy landings changed the course of World War II
The Allied forces launched mission D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It was the largest amphibious invasion in military history and marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in World War II. On this day in 1930, frozen foods hit retail stands for the first time in Springfield, Massachusetts read more US infantrymen wade through the surf as they land at Normandy in 1944. File image/AP It was June 6, 1944, when the Allied Forces launched mission D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in military history, storming the beaches of Normandy, France. This monumental operation marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in World War II. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1930, frozen food hit retail shelves for the first time changing the ways foods were consumed and sold. Here is all that happened on this day. Allied Forces stormed Normandy More than 1,56,000 troops from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries stormed the beaches of Normandy in northern France on June 6, 1944 , during World War II to launch one of the largest amphibious invasions in military history. This invasion, named D-Day, marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in World War II. The troops crossed the English Channel, landing on five designated beaches namely Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. On the morning of June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops had already infiltrated enemy lines, securing crucial bridges and exit routes. While British and Canadian forces met lighter opposition on Gold, Juno and Sword beaches, Omaha Beach proved a brutal exception for US forces, resulting in over 2,000 American casualties due to heavy resistance. Meanwhile, Utah Beach proved to be easier to overcome for the American troops. According to some estimates, the D-Day invasion claimed over 4,000 Allied lives , with thousands more wounded or unaccounted for. A US Coast Guard landing barge tightly packed with helmeted soldiers approaches the shore at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. File image/AP The planning and execution of Operation Overlord were meticulous and complex. Under the supreme command of General Dwight D Eisenhower, the Allies conducted an extensive deception campaign to mislead the Germans about the actual landing site. Despite these efforts, the German forces had fortified the Atlantic Wall with bunkers, mines and machine gun nests. Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy. D-Day was a pivotal moment in World War II. It opened a crucial Western front and allowed the Allies to begin their liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe. In the weeks that followed, thousands more troops and equipment poured into France, leading to the liberation of Paris by August 1944. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Frozen food sold in retail stores for the first time It was on this day in 1930 when the way the world ate changed forever as frozen food was sold in retail stores for the very first time. This moment took place in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Clarence Birdseye, the innovator behind the freezing process, introduced his new line of frozen products under the brand name Birds Eye. Birdseye's flash-freezing method, characterised by the rapid freezing of foodstuffs at exceptionally low temperatures, offered significantly enhanced preservation of flavour, texture and nutritional value compared to preceding techniques. His conceptualisation of this process originated during his residency in Labrador, Canada where he observed indigenous populations employing natural freezing practices to maintain the freshness of fish. Drawing inspiration from these observations, Birdseye innovated a commercial freezing technique capable of mass-scale application. To overcome a logistical hurdle, Birdseye collaborated with the Goldman Sachs Trading Corporation and General Foods for crucial funding and distribution. Representational image/ Reuters Early frozen products from the brand included spinach, peas, fruits and various fish fillets. These hit stores in specialised display cases, a logistical hurdle given that most retail establishments at the time lacked freezers. To overcome this, Birdseye collaborated with the Goldman Sachs Trading Corporation and the Postum Company, later General Foods, for crucial funding and distribution. Consumer reception was initially cautious as some doubted the frozen food's quality while others were drawn to its undeniable convenience and extended shelf life. Over the subsequent decades, continuous advancements in refrigeration, packaging and transportation propelled frozen foods from a niche offering to a ubiquitous staple in homes across the United States and eventually, worldwide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon and subsequently defeated the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Syrian armed forces and assorted leftist Lebanese groups. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a US regulatory agency, was established on this day in 1934. In 1844, George Williams originated the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in London. With inputs from agencies
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
The strange Scottish road where cars appear to defy gravity and roll uphill
The mysterious quarter-mile stretch of road has attracted visitors from across the globe, including Dwight D Eisenhower before he became US President. Scotland and magic often go hand in hand. From the legendary Loch Ness Monster to our national animal being the mythical unicorn, there's often a touch of the supernatural to our stories. But there is one very real oddity that you can visit for yourself; a road where cars seem to defy gravity, rolling mysteriously uphill. The curious stretch of road can be found in South Ayrshire. Known as the Electric Brae, this quarter-mile section on the A719 between Drumshrang and Knoweside, just south of Dunure and not far from Ayr, has baffled visitors for years with vehicles appearing to move against the slope. It is an optical illusion that truly must be seen to be believed and, for decades, the cause of this strange phenomenon was a complete mystery. Many people thought it was due to some form of electric or magnetic force, which inspired the unusual name Electric Brae. However, in truth, it is what experts call a gravity hill. The road actually slopes downhill, but the surrounding landscape cleverly tricks the eye, making the incline seem reversed. One end of the road, at the bend overlooking Croy Railway Viaduct, sits at 286 feet Above Ordnance Datum, while the other end, near the wooded Craigencroy Glen, is at 303 feet AOD. Despite this clear upward gradient of one in 86, the configuration of the land on either side creates the illusion that cars are rolling uphill when their hand brakes are off. Metal road signs once marked the spot but have often been taken by visitors as souvenirs. These signs have since been replaced by a stone inscribed with an explanation of the phenomenon, offering travellers some much-needed insight into the mysterious effect. The Electric Brae is just one of hundreds of gravity hills found worldwide, where visual illusions, similar to the well-known Ames room effect, make objects appear to defy the laws of gravity. A suitably free-running vehicle will slowly move off from a complete standstill, seemingly uphill, which continues to intrigue and entertain visitors. This strange phenomenon has attracted visitors from far and wide. One particularly notable admirer was Dwight D Eisenhower, who stopped by during the Second World War while stationed at nearby Culzean Castle. If you're keen to witness the Electric Brae yourself, the stretch of road runs from the bend overlooking Croy Railway Viaduct in the west to the wooded Craigencroy Glen in the east. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. South Ayrshire Council has even created a layby where visitors can safely stop and experience the odd sensation firsthand, allowing them to marvel at this roadside curiosity. The phenomenon is certainly not unique to Scotland. According to the Visit Mourne Mountains website, the Electric Brae effect has also been observed at Spelga Dam in the Mournes. The term 'Electric Brae' comes from the Scottish word 'brae', meaning hill, and 'electric' was added because people originally believed the strange movement was caused by electric or magnetic forces from the surrounding hills or, in the case of Spelga Dam, from the large reservoir nearby. The Visit Mourne Mountains website further explains: "Just visualise how two magnets repel each other."
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
GCHQ release cache of spy chatter discussing VE Day before end of war announced
The document cache includes a letter from then-Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, Dwight D Eisenhower, to the Deputy Director Naval Section via the Admiralty. The messages relay that the German high command had signed an 'unconditional surrender'. Intelligence agency shares spy chatter to celebrate VE Day (GCHQ/PA) The document, timestamped 8.30am on May 7, 1945, instructs Allied expeditionary forces to 'cease all offensive operations' but states that troops should remain in their present positions. The document states: 'Due to difficulties of communication there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops, so full defensive precautions would be taken.' The bottom of the document includes the instruction that 'no repeat, no release' is to be made to the press. The document also features annotations by the officer who had transcribed the message. At the bottom of the letter, a note reads: 'and u can jollu well RD TT plse'. Director Sir Edward Travis to his staff (GCHQ/PA) RD TT likely stands for read top-to-toe, with the addition showing the excitement felt by the operator who had the privilege of passing on the news. The voices of intelligence officials, charged with holding vital top-secret information and working under secrecy, rarely feature in historical accounts. GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler said: 'We know that intelligence had a significant part to play in VE Day and bringing World War Two to a close, and I'm proud that our predecessors at GCHQ were part of that. She added: 'It is also a powerful reminder of how those who worked so diligently and selflessly in the past paved the way for our future, and the world we live in today. 'It is with great pride that we pay homage to them today.' (PA Graphics) The second document in the cache is a letter written and signed by then-GC&CS (GCHQ) director Sir Edward Travis to his staff, stating that 'no congratulatory, greetings or other Victory telegrams will be sent from GC&CS on VE Day or subsequently without the Director's prior approval'. The letter is dated May 4 1945, four days before VE Day. It shows us that intelligence heads and the staff working at GCHQ were some of the first to know that the end of the war would soon be announced.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Secret orders sent to spies ahead of VE Day revealed
GCHQ's secret orders to spies ahead of the VE Day announcement in 1945 have been revealed. A set of never-before-seen documents has revealed the Government Communications Headquarters' role in the declaration. The papers, released 80 years after VE Day, showcase the intelligence agency's role and the excitement felt by those in the organisation tasked with sharing the news that fighting in Europe would soon end. The document cache includes a letter from Dwight D Eisenhower, then supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, to the deputy director of the naval section via the Admiralty. The messages relay that the German high command had signed an 'unconditional surrender'. The document, timestamped 8.30am on May 7 1945, instructs Allied expeditionary forces to 'cease all offensive operations', but states that troops should remain in their present positions. The document states: 'Due to difficulties of communication there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops, so full defensive precautions would be taken.' The bottom of the document includes the instruction that 'no repeat, no release' is to be made to the press. The document also features annotations by the officer who had transcribed the message. At the bottom of the letter, a note reads: 'And u can jolly well RD TT plse.' 'RD TT' probably stands for 'read top-to-toe', with the addition showing the excitement felt by the operator who had the privilege of passing on the news. The voices of intelligence officials, charged with holding vital top-secret information and working under secrecy, rarely feature in historical accounts. Anne Keast-Butler, director of GCHQ, said: 'We know that intelligence had a significant part to play in VE Day and bringing World War Two to a close, and I'm proud that our predecessors at GCHQ were part of that. She added: 'It is also a powerful reminder of how those who worked so diligently and selflessly in the past paved the way for our future, and the world we live in today. 'It is with great pride that we pay homage to them today.' The second document in the cache is a letter written and signed by Sir Edward Travis, then director of the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), the forerunner of GCHQ, to his staff, stating that 'no congratulatory, greetings or other Victory telegrams will be sent from GC&CS on VE Day or subsequently without the director's prior approval'. The letter is dated May 4 1945, four days before VE Day. It shows that intelligence heads and the staff working at GCHQ were some of the first to know that the end of the war would soon be announced. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
