In the 13th century when theologians were arguing how many angels could stand on the head of a pin, Thomas Aquinas, an inquisitive scholar of the Dominican Order of Friars, posed the famous question: "Which came first – the hen or the egg?" After much debate, it was agreed that mama hen came before her ovoid product. Aquinas recorded the consensus in his religious treatise … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Ubiquitous Egg
Issues
Photo Album: The Light of Literacy
The photograph published here shows the Scottish-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie laying the foundation stone of the new Waterford Free Library on 19 October 1903. Seen in the photograph also are the lord Mayor, the Town Clerk, the Librarian, John J. Morrin, and the members of Waterford Borough Council in full-dress uniform. Carnegie, born in Scotland … [Read more...] about Photo Album: The Light of Literacy
Gerry Adams The Way Forward
Kelly Candaele talks to Gerry Adams about recent developments in Northern Ireland. ℘℘℘ Gerry Adams is no stranger to violence. In 1984, he told reporters that he believed there was a ninety percent chance he would be assassinated. Two months later, he was shot by loyalist paramilitaries. While he denies ever having been a member of the IRA, most close observers of the … [Read more...] about Gerry Adams The Way Forward
The First Word: Carry On, Mr. President
Dear Editor: Re: "Thank You, Mr. President" Just because Ms. Harty got her night in the Lincoln Bedroom, we're all supposed to admire an underachiever, a national embarrassment and a degrader of women. Is it required to be a Democrat to read Irish America? Sincerely, (Mrs.) Josephine K. Maloney Matawan, New Jersey Dear Josephine: Thank you for … [Read more...] about The First Word: Carry On, Mr. President
Chris Patten Endorses Police Bill
The Republican and Nationalist communities suffered a blow in their efforts at police reform when Chris Patten, chair of the Patten Commission, endorsed the controversial Northern Ireland Police Bill which passed into law at the end of November. In the Belfast Telegraph Patten wrote that the new legislation, criticized by Nationalists as a watered-down version of the Patten … [Read more...] about Chris Patten Endorses Police Bill