In the fifth century the Pass of Thermopylae in Greece was the scene of a defensive battle by an outnumbered Greek force against a vast, invading Persian army. Among the Greek defenders, were 300 Spartans. The army of Persia, under King Xerxes, was one million strong and it was poised to crush Greece, ‘an oasis [...]
The Irish economy is at a very interesting juncture. After the breakneck speed of activity in the housing market in recent years, both in terms of price-growth and house-building, this sector is set to take a breather in the times ahead. The consequences of this period of re-balancing, as Ireland moves away from its dependence [...]
Axel Munthe’s The Story of San Michele is perhaps the most famous book of reminiscences ever written by a doctor. When it was first published in 1929, it sold millions of copies and was translated into 45 languages. At the time it was hailed as “romantic, realistic, pitiful and enchanting”. I have read the book [...]
A few years ago, I was involved with a reminiscence project that aimed to gather and record reminiscences of bygone times. It was an interesting experience and, in an effort to make the group leaders competent and professional in our dealings with possible contributors to the project, we had a workshop on memory ‘triggers’. Bernie [...]
The challenge of creating a good likeness has proved irresistible to artists down through the ages. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is the most renowned example in literature of an image so powerful that it becomes a substitute for the person. In the story, the picture ages and degenerates but Dorian Gray [...]
The search for investments with a high yield is a popular strategy for investors looking to supplement, or replace, their current income streams. With relatively low yields available in bond markets in recent years, high-yield equities have become particularly attractive. However, it is not only the requirement for income that drives the case for this [...]
If you are of the marrying persuasion, have a think about your big day– bride looking beautiful, groom shaking with nerves, bridesmaids fussing, and misty-eyed mothers sniffing and dabbing their eyes. Sweet strains of Purcell float from the choir (or maybe something equally as inspirational by Shania Twain) and the entire congregation decked out in [...]
There is no doubt that we all attribute a different level of credence to what we read, depending on its provenance. For example, when we read about wine consumption contributing to a healthy life, it can bring out the sceptic in us as these articles are frequently written by someone who has a vested interest. [...]
When I was growing up Halloween was one of the most thrilling days of the year. You got to cut up one of your mum’s old sheets and stick your head through it, cover your face in soot and wander round the neighbourhood till late, knocking on everyone’s doors and forcing them to give you [...]
The Tudors is an Emmy award-nominated series that examines the early reign of Henry VIII and the role of his leading advisor, the last of the great medieval prelates, Cardinal Wolsey. In this ten-part series, Henry VIII is played by Irish actor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers while Wolsey is played by Irish-born Sam Neill. Katherine of [...]
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