There are large-size photographs of former residents posted on the closed-up doors and windows of Stratheden Street in the New Lodge, as the JCBs move in to begin demolition.
David Bowie’s song Oh! You Pretty Things (from Hunky Dory) concerns “the impending obsolescence of the human race in favour of an alliance between arriving aliens and the youth of the present society” (Carr & Murray (1981). Bowie: An Illustrated Record: pp. 40-41 | WP). Ziggy Stardust also brought a message of hope for Earth’s youth. In the tribute poster to Bowie’s death (on January 10th, 2016), Leo Boyd (Tumblr | Belfast Print Workshop) takes the image from the cover of Earthling (Bowie’s 1997 album) and adds flying saucers, as though Bowie is to be beamed up. Farewell, Starman.
As Peggy Lee said in the song, “If that’s all there is my friends/Then let’s keep dancing, Let’s break out the booze and have a ball/If that’s all there is”.
These carefree dancers in Belfast’s city centre are by FGB (Francois Got Buffed – web | twitter).
Here is the latest political comment from TLO (we assume): DUP member and former Minister for Culture, Arts, and Leisure Gregory Campbell – MLA for East Londonderry– is shown suffering from “Derryrhoea”. In the upper posters, his hair is orange and tongue red, while in the lower poster he appears to be seeing and thinking feces. Campbell has been twicebarred from speaking in the Assembly in the last 15 months.
According to this Irish News article (see also Irish Republican News), the flyer above (this one is on the Crumlin Road in the centre of Ligoniel) is the work of a UDA faction that has intimidated people out of their homes in the Glenbryn area. (See also Irish Republican News.)
“North Belfast UDA: Anyone caught housebreaking or robbing business premises in this area will face severe consequences. No mercy will be shown or second chances given. We will show no leniency in carrying out the punishment your depraved actions deserve. We already have names and this will be acted upon. Our communities will not be left defenceless. This is not a warning this is a promise. Anyone with any information don’t be afraid to come forward. Help us rid our area’s of these vermin. Quis separabit.”
Here are two images related (perhaps indirectly) to the prosecution of members of the Young Conway flute band for playing The Famine Song/The John B. Sails (WP) outside St. Patrick’s church in Donegall Street during the parade season in the summer of 2012. On Tuesday (December 1st), the thirteen band members had their April convictions quashed. (Telegraph) Above is graffiti on Lanark Way — Stop political policing on band’s men — and below a flyer for a fundraiser in support of the legal appeal.
Two visions of brotherhood: The Lady Boys Of Bangkok compete for poster space with the Irish Republican Brotherhood’s proclamation of an Irish Republic.