This story, my friends, has nothing to do with a rogue with decaying teeth. Nor has it anything to do with a rodent involved in industrial relations. Blogger, Blue Tooth and IR Mouse are just new-fangled names that have emerged with new technology. All the ‘hard shaws’ among you who know it all, are probably saying, sure we all know what they are.

Well the fact is ‘we all’ don’t know what the blazes they are. And yours truly only recently got his head around ‘Bloggers’. Now be lenient with me because I’m only a learner with a big L plate.

Blogger is short for ‘web log’ which is someone who basically logs onto the web. A blogger will also set up their own website where he or she can receive or disseminate loads of info on all sorts of matters.

Bloggers became big in the US during the last Presidential election. They challenged the manifesto and policies of G.W. Bush on the web and blogged all over America. The Bloggers encouraged debate on all things political during the election on websites from Alaska to Texas. Prior to this, politicians did the political tours, dished out leaflets and did sound bites for telly and radio.

The Blogger phenomenon in Ireland is expected to move into a higher gear when the general election takes place next year. Bloggers will be rooting for Bertie or Enda or Pat. The Blogger web page will raise debate on everything from agriculture to environment and from education to economics.

If you are apolitical then give these web pages a wide berth. If you are a real ‘politico’ then set up your web page and start blogging to your heart’s content. And what about the ‘Blue Tooth’ and the ‘IR Mouse’ you may ask.

Bluetooth enables you to join up all your digital paraphernalia without using cables. Yes, no unsightly cables in sight. Isn’t it wonderful boys and girls. You can link your computer and your mobile phone and your palm handheld device. This is all done wirelessly within a 30 foot range with the wonderful magic of Bluetooth.

Last but by no means least is the story of the IR Mouse. Truth is this little mouse has no interest whatsoever in industrial relations and has no intention of joining congress. He is in fact an ordinary computer mouse, but once again he has no cables attached. This mouse works on infra red light and interacts better with the computer screen than the old ever did. And what about the wonderful works of the wheelbarrow I hear you cry, well that’s for another day.