Black Cat Prejudice & the Plague

Black cats are sometimes connected with bad luck and witches. You’ve heard if a black cat crosses your path, it’s bad luck. But besides their black fur, black cats are no different than any other cat. Scholars believe prejudice against cats in the middle ages caused people to kill them. In turn, that helped theContinue reading “Black Cat Prejudice & the Plague”

Answer to Sept. 13th Question

Did you figure out what this is? Kathrin, our heroine, wondered too. The following quote is Shay, our hero’s, answer to her question. “It’s an old-time foghorn. Most likely, it has a Radio Activated Signal System. In bad weather, seafarers can activate the foghorn themselves by using a common VHF radio.” Pretty cool device, huh.Continue reading “Answer to Sept. 13th Question”

Why do they refer to each other as Catholics and Protestants?

The photo represent the flags of the conflicting sides of Northern Ireland. The conflict was never about religion. It has always been about politics. Unionists wanted to stay with Great Britain. Nationalists wanted to be independent of Great Britain. Catholic and Protestant are just labels, like jerseys, to recognize what side they’re on. The conflictContinue reading “Why do they refer to each other as Catholics and Protestants?”

How did the conflict in Northern Ireland start?

Repost: Above photo: Protestant King William of Orange’s victory over Catholic King James in 1690. That’s when Protestants began their domination over Catholics in Northern Ireland. A character in “Trapped” named Callum briefly explained part of Northern Ireland’s history. His explanation is based on actual historical events. Here’s his quote. “Well, it all began inContinue reading “How did the conflict in Northern Ireland start?”

“How quickly civilization can be ripped away and we accept breakdown as the norm.”

“I started off by saying that looking back it was a nightmare. But at the time? It was normal. Just completely normal. It’s amazing how easily and quickly that the veneer of civilisation can be ripped away, and we accept breakdown as the norm. “ Mario Martini. Mario was referring to “The Troubles” in Northern IrelandContinue reading ““How quickly civilization can be ripped away and we accept breakdown as the norm.””

Map of Ireland & Great Britain

Most of “Trapped” takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland and incorporates its history. The locals call it Norn Iron. Norn Iron and The Republic of Ireland are two separate countries. Norn Iron is part of Great Britain, which causes disagreements among its citizens, even today. The Republic of Ireland makes up the southern part ofContinue reading “Map of Ireland & Great Britain”

Adversary

This is Cian Griffin, the heroine’s adversary in “Trapped.” Cian is from Northern Ireland. His Irish hat is called a flat cap. Pronunciations of some Irish names from this story are:  Cian is KEE-an; Conner is KON-ner; Callum is KAL-um. Irish star of the movie, Quiet Place part II, is Cillian Murphy, pronounced KIL-le-an.