Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Jacobs' Upcoming Gigs in Cork, Vicar Streets, and BristolJacobs is hosting live podcasts in Cork and doing gigs in Vicar Streets and Bristol, but he doesn't effectively advertise them on the podcast.

      The podcast host, Jacobs, is doing live podcasts in Saint Luke's Church in Cork on the 28th and 29th of December, and he's also doing gigs in Vicar Streets in March and in Bristol, likely in early January. Despite forgetting the exact dates and locations, Jacobs maintains his tradition of not advertising his gigs effectively on the podcast. He shared an anecdote about a memorable gig he did on a ship in Bristol around 2015, which left him feeling uneasy due to the crowd's enthusiasm causing the ship to sway. The podcast also included a correction about a previous announcement of a gig in the Cork Opera House instead of Saint Luke's Church.

    • Unexpected events and encounters can lead to memorable experiencesUnexpected memories and encounters, even those that seem fantastical, can create meaningful connections and lead to surprising experiences. A dream about performing on a ship and a fake dessert invention all came together to create an entertaining anecdote.

      Unexpected events and encounters, even those that seem fantastical, can lead to surprising connections and experiences. The speaker shares a story about a potential upcoming gig in Bristol, where they recall fond memories of rowdy fans and even a dream about performing on a ship. They also mention their desire to see Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy of Boyzone perform together on that same ship. The speaker then shares a humorous story about inventing a fake dessert called "Sarsfield's Gannet" during a radio interview, which was later made for Keith Duffy in real life. These seemingly unrelated events all come together to create a memorable and entertaining anecdote. The speaker also expresses a desire to have Keith Duffy on their podcast to share more about their past encounters.

    • The 12th century manuscript, Topographia Hibernica, is known for its exaggerated claims about the Irish people.The 12th century manuscript, Topographia Hibernica, is significant for its historical context, as it was written during Ireland's literary, artistic, and educational golden age and Britain's post-Roman Empire decline.

      The 12th century illuminated manuscript, Topographia Hibernica, written by Gerald of Wales, is an important piece of historical literature that can be seen as the genesis of British tabloid newspapers due to its exaggerated and false claims about the Irish people. The manuscript, presented as a topography or a book of maps, was actually used to justify the colonization of Ireland. Although it contains some historical information about Ireland, its most intriguing aspects are the outrageous and bizarre claims about the Irish people. I, as a layman, find these claims fascinating despite their inaccuracies. I am academically qualified in art history and art critique, and I ensure my historical information comes from reliable sources. The manuscript was written during a time when Ireland was experiencing a golden age of literature, art, and education, while Britain was dealing with the collapse of the Roman Empire. The manuscript's historical context is crucial to understanding its significance.

    • Ireland's Thriving Monasteries Amid Europe's Dark AgeDuring Europe's 'dark age', Ireland flourished with advanced monasteries, producing illuminated manuscripts and teaching various subjects, while Britain and Roman-ruled areas were in decline. England's false claims of Ireland's paganism led to its invasion, marking the start of English rule and cultural subjugation.

      Despite Britain experiencing a "dark age," Ireland was thriving during the same period. Irish monasteries were centers of education, producing illuminated manuscripts and teaching Latin, Irish, philosophy, theology, and law. Ireland and the Islamic Caliphate of Spain were the two flourishing areas in Europe from around 500 to 1000. However, the Roman-ruled areas, including Britain, were in a state of collapse. The Irish monasteries were so advanced that Christianity in Ireland was becoming independent, and this independence was causing tension with Rome. In the 1150s, rumors spread in Rome that Ireland was not truly Christian, and its leaders were accused of being pagans. In response, the English pope, Adrian, granted Henry II of England permission to colonize Ireland, claiming it was necessary for the honor of God and the salvation of the land. This document, known as the Laud Billeter, is a subject of historical debate, with some arguing it did exist, and others claiming it was a fabrication. Regardless, it highlights the political maneuvering and inaccuracies that fueled the Norman invasion of Ireland. Ireland was not the pagan nation it was portrayed to be. Instead, it was a land of saints and scholars, renowned for its education and religious institutions. The invasion of Ireland, instigated by the Laud Billeter or not, marked the beginning of English rule and the subjugation of Irish culture.

    • The Norman Invasion of Ireland: Political, Economic, and Cultural MotivationsThe Norman invasion of Ireland in 1155 was influenced by political power plays, economic opportunities, and cultural superiority, as depicted in Gerald of Wales' Topographica Hibernica, which denigrated the Irish and justified colonization through illustrations.

      The invasion of Ireland by the Normans in 1155 was driven by a combination of political and economic interests, as well as a desire to spread Christianity and establish cultural superiority. Gerald of Wales, a Welsh clerk and historian, played a significant role in this process by writing the Topographica Hibernica, a detailed account of Ireland that denigrated the Irish people and served to justify the colonization. Gerald's use of illustrations in the margins of the text was a unique and influential approach that helped to popularize sensationalism and pave the way for British tabloid journalism. Ultimately, the invasion of Ireland was a complex and multifaceted event, driven by a mix of ideological, economic, and political motivations.

    • Gerald of Wales's Description of Ireland's Geography and WildlifeGerald of Wales's 'Topographica Hibernica' describes Ireland's lush, forested land based on his observations and local knowledge, with some fabrications for entertainment.

      Gerald of Wales's "Topographica Hibernica" begins with a detailed description of Ireland's geography and wildlife in the 11th century, painting a picture of a lush, forested land. However, this account is not solely based on Gerald's own observations. He also gathered information from locals and texts in monasteries. Some parts of the text, like the description of barnacle geese that grow on trees, are likely fabrications meant to entertain or impress. Gerald's account of Ireland's transformation from a temperate rainforest to a pastoral landscape due to deforestation for British colonization is an important historical insight. The text's beginning establishes Gerald's authority, making the fabrications more believable.

    • Gerald of Wales's 'The Journey of Gerald the Welsh': Nature, Propaganda, and Anti-Irish RacismHistorical texts require critical reading as Gerald of Wales's 'The Journey of Gerald the Welsh' contains both accurate information and deliberate false claims, contributing to anti-Irish racism.

      The 11th or 12th century book "The Journey of Gerald the Welsh" by Gerald of Wales contains surprising levels of detail about nature and geography, but also includes deliberate false claims and propaganda, particularly regarding Ireland. Gerald establishes authority at the beginning before making bizarre claims, such as the moon causing living creatures to shrink and Irish women transforming into hares. These claims contribute to the roots of anti-Irish racism. The book's content becomes increasingly irrational, with Gerald returning to rational topics after these bizarre interludes. This podcast episode highlighted these aspects of the text, providing context and analysis. Gerald's work demonstrates the importance of critical reading and the potential for biased and inaccurate information, even in historical texts.

    • Supporting independent creators is crucialHistorical examples show the power of media to influence power dynamics, highlighting the importance of supporting independent creators

      Supporting independent podcasts is crucial, especially during times when big corporations flood the market. These small productions, made by passionate teams, often get overshadowed and struggle to gain an audience. Meanwhile, books from the past, like Gerald's Topographica Hypernica, provide insight into how propaganda and power dynamics have evolved. Gerald's manuscript, written in the 1100s, was a form of tabloid journalism, demonizing the Irish and creating a negative narrative. Its impact, however, was not on the general public but on the powerful decision-makers who consumed it, reinforcing their biases and justifying their actions against the Irish. This historical example shows how important it is to support independent creators and be aware of the potential impact of media on power dynamics.

    • Propaganda against Irish royalty in 12th century IrelandGerald of Wales's 'The History and Topography of Ireland' contained shocking stories about Irish people to delegitimize their rulers and fuel the Norman conquest, reflecting societal attitudes of misogyny and transphobia.

      Gerald of Wales's "The History and Topography of Ireland" functioned as a form of propaganda against the Irish royalty during the 12th century. The text contained bizarre and shocking stories, such as an Irish woman having intercourse with a goat and a woman with a beard attending the court, which would have been taboo and provocative to the aristocratic audience. These stories, often accompanied by explicit drawings, served to delegitimize the Irish rulers and fuel the Norman conquest of Ireland. The themes of misogyny and transphobia present in the text reflect the societal attitudes of the time and demonstrate the power of tabloid-style stories to shape public opinion.

    • Gerald of Wales's Propaganda Depicting Normans and IrishGerald of Wales used half man, half ox tales and criticisms of Irish life to portray Normans as civilized and Irish as savage, justifying Norman colonization

      Gerald of Wales used propaganda to portray the Normans as civilized and the Irish as savage in his writings. He described a half man, half ox that frequented the court of Maurice Fitzgerald, a Norman lord in Ireland, and contrasted Fitzgerald's compassion towards the creature with the supposed savagery of the Irish people. Gerald also criticized various aspects of Irish life, such as the cows giving birth to half man, half cows, and the birds laying eggs at the wrong time of year. However, he also praised the miraculous Book of Kells, which the Irish were renowned for producing, creating a contradiction in his portrayal of the Irish people. Overall, Gerald's writings served to justify the Norman colonization of Ireland by depicting the Irish as inferior and in need of civilization.

    • Gerald of Wales's Biased Views on Irish CultureGerald of Wales belittled Irish culture, attributing their illuminated manuscripts to angels while praising their musical abilities, and criticizing their interpretations of biblical stories, revealing the racist attitudes of the time.

      Gerald of Wales, a Norman writer, attempted to belittle the advanced culture of the Irish people by dismissing their beautiful illuminated manuscripts, attributing their creation to angels instead of the monks. However, he then gave them a backhanded compliment by praising their exceptional musical abilities, which were not valued in Norman society. Gerald also criticized the Irish for interpreting and adding Irish elements to biblical stories, which angered the Pope. Ultimately, Gerald's work reflects the racist attitudes of the time, demeaning the Irish while highlighting their musical talents.

    • Gerald of Wales' Derogatory Portrayal of the IrishGerald of Wales, a medieval author, wrote disparagingly about the Irish, labeling them uncivilized and barbaric, and falsely accusing them of bestiality to justify English rule.

      Gerald of Wales, in his book "The History and Topography of Ireland," portrays the Irish people in a derogatory manner, describing them as uncivilized, barbaric, and uncultured. He criticizes their lack of Christianity, their disregard for agriculture, and their supposedly primitive ways. One of the most shocking claims Gerald makes is that the Irish people engage in bestiality, including having sex with and eating horses as part of their inauguration rituals. This portrayal would have been highly offensive at the time, as Christianity had been established in Ireland for centuries. The purpose of Gerald's writings appears to be to discredit the Irish and justify English rule over them. It's important to note that the accuracy of Gerald's claims is questionable, and modern scholars believe that many of his descriptions were exaggerated or outright false.

    • Propaganda used to dehumanize and justify conquest of IrelandThe early Christian Church used propaganda to label Irish practices as pagan and uncivilized, justifying their conquest and laying foundation for anti-Irish racism during British colonization and Brexit

      The early Christian Church used propaganda to dehumanize and justify the conquest and subjugation of other Christian nations, such as Ireland, by portraying their practices, like horse sacrifice, as pagan and uncivilized. This propaganda, which originated in the 12th century, laid the foundation for anti-Irish racism that persisted throughout British colonization and even resurfaced during Brexit. The Church's efforts to legitimize the Norman conquest of Ireland by labeling the Irish as savages and pagans served to delegitimize their rule and pave the way for justifying the invasion. This historical context sheds light on how propaganda and racism have been used to justify power and control throughout history.

    • Live streaming music creation in Red Dead Redemption 2A musician uses Twitch to create, produce, and mix music live in Red Dead Redemption 2, engaging audiences with the creative process and finding inspiration from the game's digital environment.

      Technology is opening up new avenues for creative expression. A musician named [Artist's Name] uses a live streaming platform like Twitch to create music in real-time while playing the video game Red Dead Redemption 2. This process allows him to write, produce, and mix songs on the spot, engaging both a live audience and online viewers. The focus is on the creative process rather than the finished product. This new way of making music offers unique inspiration from the hyper-real digital environment and the events that unfold within the game. Additionally, the musician has improved his audio fidelity through practice and even incorporates sound effects from the game into his music. This innovative approach to music creation showcases the endless possibilities that technology can bring to artistic endeavors.

    Recent Episodes from The Blindboy Podcast

    Related Episodes

    Ep 25: The Venus de Milo Looks Better That Way

    Ep 25: The Venus de Milo Looks Better That Way

    We've made it to Paris and it's got the key to our heart. This town also got more art than any town has the right to have. And out of all the masterpieces upon masterpieces at the Louvre we found the greatest one of all: The Venus de Milo. Is it because of her beauty? Her grace? Her rarity? Her importance? Of course not! It's because some 100 year old French marketing campaign said it was the best and we all believed it! Come with us and find out why the Venus de Milo stands on a bed of lies rather than the plinth she was discovered with. 

    Check our instagram for more details! https://www.instagram.com/artsistory/

    And email us at artsistory@gmail.com