Joe Queenan's no-holds-barred satirical writing is not for every palate. He jabs, stabs, pokes, prods, and otherwise mangles various aspects of American culture (not to mention European culture and Third World culture) like a dentist performing a root canal without an anesthetic or a disgruntled postal worker creating balloon animals. It's often not pretty, but is certainly … [Read more...] about Sardonic Joe
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One Life to Give
Chuck Feeney has just put into practice something he had been considering for many years. He has decided that all the vast wealth he accumulated in his lifetime should be given away while he is still alive. The graying, well preserved 72-year-old New Jersey native persuaded the board of Atlantic Philanthropies, which he created two decades ago, to convert its $4 billion in … [Read more...] about One Life to Give
Hepburn Letters Sold
A collection of letters written by Hollywood star Audrey Hepburn to her father and stepmother sold for £45,500 at auction at Christie's -- nine times more than the estimate of between £3,000 and £5,000. And a set of family photographs showing the My Fair Lady star, taken between 1939 and 1989, went for £24,150 to the same buyer -- far more than the pre-sale estimate of around … [Read more...] about Hepburn Letters Sold
Consumers Get Their Irish Up Over 7Up Ads
Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc. recently re-edited its U.S. television commercial when scores of irate Irish-Americans phoned in complaining of what sounded like a leprechaun shouting an ethnic slur. In the commercial, a foul-tempered leprechaun is pulling a wagon through the streets of New York City hawking dnL, Dr Pepper/Seven Up's new caffeinated, carbonated fruit-flavored soda … [Read more...] about Consumers Get Their Irish Up Over 7Up Ads
Irish Arts Center Gala
The Irish Arts Center (IAC) of New York celebrated a stellar night and raised over $120,000 at its Gala in the New York Athletic Club on October 3. Honoree hosts Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne, both patrons of the center, were on hand to greet guests and participate in the auction. Lucky winners had dinner with the two stars as first prize. The IAC provides Irish cultural … [Read more...] about Irish Arts Center Gala