Boston and Eastern Massachusetts residents whose summer plans include a sampling of Irish/Celtic music festivals may have to work a little harder to whet their appetites. Some Massachusetts area summer events that have become familiar stops for Irish/Celtic music enthusiasts have been cancelled, or are on uncertain footing, for 2009 - and possibly beyond.
At the time of Sputnik - first space orbit - the cosmonaut hailed as a hero by many blatantly observed that in his travels, he did not find "heaven." It would seem that technology proved that heaven was a myth. Some discussion took place. However, this largely became a footnote in the history of "progress."
Despite the worldwide nature of the economic recession, Irish voters are charging their own political leaders with the responsibility for their country's problems. It is often said that perception frequently becomes reality. Ireland's leading political party has been unable to convince the voters that it is dealing with the current recession decisively and effectively.
A sporting equivalent of Mayor Thomas Menino's poll numbers reported May 10 in The Boston Globe would perhaps be sitting in the audience of a heavyweight fight watching the reigning champ flex and shadowbox, then realizing that you're the one due in the ring.
Having seen peace take hold in Northern Ireland, John Cullinane, who was involved in job-creation and in the peace process in the North, believes that Northern Ireland can serve as a road map for those seeking peace in the ever-fragile, ever-volatile Middle East.
Yes, the sky is definitely about to come crashing down on Ireland and the US corporations that operate on the isle if President Obama's proposed tax changes go into effect. At least that's the entrenched belief of the Wall Street Journal, that bastion of unfettered capitalism and loosely regulated financial transactions and accountability.
She Brings Experience and Perspective to Her High-Wire Act
By Greg O'Brien
Special to the BIR
Amy Ryan hardly looks like the bookworm that she is. Resembling a university president more than a stereotypical librarian, the multi-tasking, cerebral president of the venerable Boston Public Library (BPL).
In case you've questioned whether you should visit Ireland this summer, be aware the country is alive and well despite the current economic crisis gripping most of the world. True, the economy isn't great in Ireland and there are layoffs and businesses closing there, too, but the upside is that there are also some excellent price breaks everywhere you look - in accommodation, flights (Aer Lingus, for instance, has been offering many good deals lately) and other areas.
Ireland President Marty McAleese was in Boston in May, visiting the city for three days after a trip to western Massachusetts where she was commencement speaker and an honorary degree recipient at Mt. Holyoke College.
David R. Burke, the leading voice in the lawrence Hibernian community for more than a half century, has passed away. He died late Wednesday night, May 27 at Caritas Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.