I've been thinking about this since Damien announced nominations and I think this is what I've whittled it down to. There are so many wonderful Irish blogs out there that it's hard to squeeze them all in. I tried to lean away from the big ones (you know who you are) who will get nominated anyway and focus on some smaller, perhaps less well known blogs to give them a chance. I did skip a few categories as I am a little lax on the culture side of things and my Irish is limited to things I shouldn't say in front of the mother. So here goes:
Best Blog: Well Done Fillet
Reason: Since I discovered Manuel I have been hooked. Who can't relate to the spurned waiter in some way or another? I've worked in the industry myself so can completely appreciate the hilarity of the situations Manuel brings up. I think this blog is well written, entertaining and generally hysterical.
Best Blog Post: Just When I'd Started to Smile Again
Reason: The Swearing Lady sums up the joys of renting in Ireland.
Most Humorous Blog Post: The Customer that Broke This Camel's Back
Reason: Had to stick with Manuel on this one. Read it and see!
Best Photo Blog: Redmum
Reason: Just look at the photos. They are so unique and interesting, not an ordinary thing about them. I love watching Dublin through Red Mum's lens.
Best Political Blog: Irish Election
Reason: I enjoyed following the election with them, but even since the posts have been informative and thought-provoking.
Best Personal Blog: Hangar Queen
Reason: Having only discovered Devin's blog a few weeks ago I actually went back and read the entire blog from beginning to present. The writing is fantastic, the stories poignant, sometimes funny and incredibly human.
Best Technology Blogger: Sabrina Dent
Reason: Also a recent discovery of mine, thanks to her support on the boob issue, I've been going back over Sabrina's old posts as well. Great writing, both technological and otherwise. I used to be quite techie back in the nineties when Javascript was fancy shit and HTML was as good as it got, so I like to keep an eye on the area and Sabrina presents things in an easy to understand and often entertaining manner!
Best Designed Blog: Sabrina Dent
Reason: Go look! It's beautiful. Not only is the blog design gorgeous and easy to navigate, but she has a different image for each post. It's clever and attractive!
Best Newcomer: K8 the GR8
Reason: Brilliant writing, hilarious stories, just generally witty and clever.
Best Business Blog: Ice Cream Ireland
Reason: Great recipes, photos and foodie information, without a big sell. Love it!
Best Food Blog: The Humble Housewife
For obvious reasons! ;-) But I do think it's one of the few food blogs out there that is not about pretentious food and impeccably produced photos, but real food that anyone can cook.
Best Craft Blog: Jackie's Space
Reason: Nice blog, with beautifully designed cards and photos.
Best Pop Culture Blog: Rick O'Shea
Reason: Nice guy, interesting and funny posts.
Best Blog from a Journalist: GUBU
This was also a tough call. Sarah sometimes drives me nuts, more often than not on the radio or TV, but her columns and blog posts are usually quite sound. Her readership also brings a lively debate to most posts, making this an all around interesting blog to read.
Well that's what I've got. Not familiar with the other categories, but am always open to suggestions! Happy New Year!
Ah shucks......I'm blushing again for the second time in two days......thank you so very very much......
Posted by: Manuel | December 31, 2007 at 01:01 AM
Wow! Such a nice link! Thanks lady :)
These links will keep me out of mischief for a bit - great material!
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PS: I can't find a way to contact you on your site but I wanted to ask you about something privately. Can you email me via my contact page? I'm trustworthy, I'll keep your identity confidential if your email address reveals it!
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Ach thank you, thats very flattering indeed. :)
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Jesus. Wow. Thanks :-)
I have a pop culture blog.......?
:-)
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It's not often I'm left speechless.
Good job I can still type.
Thank you.
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Thanks so much! Quite honoured to be on your list!
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