Vernacularisms with Jason O' Rourke Dec 15th 2012

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We were treated to a tour of live, onsite readings by Jason O’ Rourke from his blog Vernacularisms.

We met at the entrance to the Gasworks to visit the first scene of crime, a car park outside a now vacated architects office manned by clampers finding easy pray in unsuspecting punters going to tax their car.

Clamp It
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/09/21/clamp-it/

On up the Ormeau Rd we stood opposite the Hatfield Bar (itself engine of many an urban myth and vernacular moment) where Jason recounted the glory of the Sam McGuire making a cameo in the bar after Derry won the All Ireland.

Butting In
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/11/16/butting-in/

We stopped briefly at the spot formally occupied by the Ham Sandwich Gang before rounding the corner to Rugby Ave to scrutinize the red brick wall of H J Martin Ltd in search of elusively carved initials. A brisk trop over to Agincourt Ave allowed us to take in a bizarre mural of golfer Rory McElroy flanked by bunny rabbits, briars and a Belfast street scene.

It is dry but cold. Agincourt Avenue’s laundry, our next stop sports vents and funnels that belch satisfyingly soapy warm air out into the street.

Laundry
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/08/30/laundry/

Story told we stock up on warm air before heading down Carmel St onto the Embankment and across the Lagan to the Ormeau Park location for two more anecdotes. There are other walkers too, despite many paths being flooded from the previous days rain. They rubberneck to hear stories of recklessness and pathos.

Stunning Stunts
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/10/26/stunning-stunts/ 
Parklife
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/08/31/parklife/

Back on the Ormeau we stand outside the Ormeau Bakery, now (probably empty) apartments, to hear about a fine fish and a feast held by Jason’s Romanian neighbours. Mid flow Jason gets a jocular interruption from another of his neighbours, a former professional footballer who ‘cautions’ us that Jason is a gangster!

Big Fish
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/09/18/big-fish/

So near home, Burma St we take in an architecturally ambitious pigeon loft, which is essentially a portacabin teetering on a pitched roof. We end on a good note with tea and tales of a pigeon fancier and a builder who aren’t afraid to sing with all their might.

Süskind
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/09/11/suskind/

Miller Time
http://vernacularisms.com/2012/09/25/miller-time/