Since 2006, many visitors traveling from Ireland to Cuba have carried slightly heavier than usual suitcases. In addition to their clothes, toiletries and other necessities, they have been carrying piano parts and tools for tuning and repair. They have transported a total of more than 500 pounds, to date, all of which has been given to Havana’s National Workshop for Musical … [Read more...] about An Irish Tune-Up for Cuba: Una Corda, The Soft Pedal
’Tis a New Challenge for Cathie Black
Changes are in store for both Cathie Black and the New York City public school system. On Tuesday, November 9th, Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally announced his decision to name Black, who is currently the chair of Hearst Magazines, the next New York City schools chancellor, a role held by Joel Klein since 2002. Pending approval from the State Education Commisioner at the time … [Read more...] about ’Tis a New Challenge for Cathie Black
Those We Lost
Leo Cullum 1942-2010 A cartoonist at The New Yorker for over 30 years, Leo Cullum succumbed to cancer after a five-year battle on October 23 at his home in Malibu. He was 68. Much of what would become Cullum’s iconic cartooning began in airport terminals. A full-time TWA pilot for 34 years, Cullum would draw during layovers and on days off. Cullum sold his first cartoon to Air … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Irish America Hall of Fame: Donald Keough
On November 30, Donald Keough was the first honoree to be inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame, which has just been established by Irish America magazine. The following is a glimpse of Mr. Keough’s extraordinary life story from poor but proud farm family in Iowa to an international business career as president and COO of Coca-Cola. Through all his corporate success he … [Read more...] about Irish America Hall of Fame: Donald Keough
Boxing Buddies: George Bernard Shaw and Gene Tunney
The unlikely friendship between prizefighter Gene Tunney and dramatist George Bernard Shaw is explored in a book by the boxer’s son, Jay Tunney. There are many books about famous literary friendships. John Keats, Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley have more than a few dedicated to them, as do Edith Wharton and Henry James; Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. While … [Read more...] about Boxing Buddies: George Bernard Shaw and Gene Tunney