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
Sheila Langan
’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
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
The McNulty Family Show Boat Sails Again
One of the most popular entertainment groups from the 1920s to the 1960s, Annie ‘Ma’ McNulty and her children Eileen and Peter have largely been forgotten, but that may change soon. Known as “The Royal Family of Irish Entertainment,” the McNultys were the leading Irish-American music act from the 1930s through the early 1950s. They had a hit radio show; they made hundreds of … [Read more...] about The McNulty Family Show Boat Sails Again
First Rose of Tralee of Indian Descent
From August 20th to the 24th, 100,000 visitors gathered in Tralee, Co. Kerry to watch 32 Roses vie in friendly competition in the 2010 Rose of Tralee Festival. The Roses came from as close as Dublin and Cork and as far as New Zealand and Dubai to participate in all the festivities of the festival’s 52nd year. After a weeklong tour around Ireland, the accomplished young women … [Read more...] about First Rose of Tralee of Indian Descent