Having endured an intense few months of media coverage regarding our countries financial affairs I am still confused. What is the correct pronunciation of the word ‘Finance’?
Is it FY-Nance or FIN-Ance?
Ironically its root comes from the Latin and old French ‘Fine’ or ‘Finer’ meaning to end. Used to describe the paying off of a debt thus rendering it finished but more popularly it is understood to mean resource management , usually money. If only either of these definitions were true in our case.
Apart from the correct phonetics of one of the most common words in our vocabulary at present, the question is, who will put an end to our despair? Who will veni, vidi, vici?
Without prejudice, I wish the parties and independents every success. As a citizen I embrace the lines ‘Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland’. Let us hope that this is a brand new start and that our national passion is not aimsir caite.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Jimmy Who?
Jimmy Who?
They come in all colours and covers, sizes and shapes. The brand new ones from the high street, this month’s best buys proudly displayed in shop windows. The once loved but now unwanted ones from charity shops. Browsing the shelves, touching, feeling, searching for the perfect fit. And then you find it. As you hold it eagerly in your hands, you’re just waiting to dip in. Looking at the content and flicking through the pages. Index, date of publication, back cover review. Skimming and skimming. It’s just perfect.
Ah, books. They are the fetish of many a respectable girl. Whether the choice is fact, fiction or special interest. The bizarre, the inspirational and the downright hilarious. The only difficulty is having enough shelves to house them all and enough time to read them all. It’s the promise of what’s inside written on those pages. Sometimes it’s an escape from reality. Other times the effects can be life changing after only 300 pages. And just like a favourite pair of shoes, some books can be enjoyed over and over again. Sometimes they just don’t fit. Try as you might, you persist, cramming your head into the content of the pages but still it pinches. So you give up on that one, moving on, knowing that reading is trial and error. Personal taste is personal.
Such is the demand for the write stuff that local libraries are upgrading to an automated system. A system that not only speeds up loans and returns but also frees up librarians valuable knowledge of their domain. You name it, they can find it or suggest something similar. What better place for one to indulge in their literary fantasies, guilt free. The only cost being the odd fine for returning a book late.
Even this has been overcome with an incredibly simple online service. Browsing reserving, renewing and reviewing. It’s all there. The virtual world of the community library is as sophisticated as the real one. Inside the warm, calm circle of the Deansgrange Branch on a Wednesday morning, seniors are being put through their paces. They stretch their minds as they learn hands on computer skills. I overhear the lesson, attended by a majority of ladies. Learning some email basics.
To: Subject: Send:
For a moment I marvel at these incredibly brave women for undertaking new learning skills. A whole world is opening up to them to enquire and communicate in WiFi.
It’s then that I consider, in fact, necessity is the mother of invention. These learners are striding forward into a world of education through technology and keeping up with the younger generation. Moreover, they are exploring a more economical option to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren. Loved ones who have had no option but to uproot and explore the globe for themselves. Once a week or every day, Skype and MSN afford us sound and vision into another world, cost free.
In these superstores of information we can borrow, buy, sell and download books and e-books. Talking books and ipods allow individuals to access novels and plays regardless of reading skills and abilities. The voice of a narrator and the sound effects brings the whole experience to life. Connecting with the characters, we feel their joy and their pain, their hopes and their fears.
The whole experience of hunting and gathering our paperback and hardback prizes to feed our minds and imaginations is a joy. However and wherever we acquire our fixes is as varied as the subjects themselves. Perhaps taking the opportunity to interface with the experts in bookshops and libraries or more randomly in charity shops, church fetes or online. Whatever our method, one thing is for certain, being Irish we all love a good story.
Patricia L. Murphy
086 6482651
nutrishon@gmail.com
7/2/11
They come in all colours and covers, sizes and shapes. The brand new ones from the high street, this month’s best buys proudly displayed in shop windows. The once loved but now unwanted ones from charity shops. Browsing the shelves, touching, feeling, searching for the perfect fit. And then you find it. As you hold it eagerly in your hands, you’re just waiting to dip in. Looking at the content and flicking through the pages. Index, date of publication, back cover review. Skimming and skimming. It’s just perfect.
Ah, books. They are the fetish of many a respectable girl. Whether the choice is fact, fiction or special interest. The bizarre, the inspirational and the downright hilarious. The only difficulty is having enough shelves to house them all and enough time to read them all. It’s the promise of what’s inside written on those pages. Sometimes it’s an escape from reality. Other times the effects can be life changing after only 300 pages. And just like a favourite pair of shoes, some books can be enjoyed over and over again. Sometimes they just don’t fit. Try as you might, you persist, cramming your head into the content of the pages but still it pinches. So you give up on that one, moving on, knowing that reading is trial and error. Personal taste is personal.
Such is the demand for the write stuff that local libraries are upgrading to an automated system. A system that not only speeds up loans and returns but also frees up librarians valuable knowledge of their domain. You name it, they can find it or suggest something similar. What better place for one to indulge in their literary fantasies, guilt free. The only cost being the odd fine for returning a book late.
Even this has been overcome with an incredibly simple online service. Browsing reserving, renewing and reviewing. It’s all there. The virtual world of the community library is as sophisticated as the real one. Inside the warm, calm circle of the Deansgrange Branch on a Wednesday morning, seniors are being put through their paces. They stretch their minds as they learn hands on computer skills. I overhear the lesson, attended by a majority of ladies. Learning some email basics.
To: Subject: Send:
For a moment I marvel at these incredibly brave women for undertaking new learning skills. A whole world is opening up to them to enquire and communicate in WiFi.
It’s then that I consider, in fact, necessity is the mother of invention. These learners are striding forward into a world of education through technology and keeping up with the younger generation. Moreover, they are exploring a more economical option to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren. Loved ones who have had no option but to uproot and explore the globe for themselves. Once a week or every day, Skype and MSN afford us sound and vision into another world, cost free.
In these superstores of information we can borrow, buy, sell and download books and e-books. Talking books and ipods allow individuals to access novels and plays regardless of reading skills and abilities. The voice of a narrator and the sound effects brings the whole experience to life. Connecting with the characters, we feel their joy and their pain, their hopes and their fears.
The whole experience of hunting and gathering our paperback and hardback prizes to feed our minds and imaginations is a joy. However and wherever we acquire our fixes is as varied as the subjects themselves. Perhaps taking the opportunity to interface with the experts in bookshops and libraries or more randomly in charity shops, church fetes or online. Whatever our method, one thing is for certain, being Irish we all love a good story.
Patricia L. Murphy
086 6482651
nutrishon@gmail.com
7/2/11
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
How Does It Feel !!!
Blue Monday. Thankfully I was blissfully unaware of it being the third Monday of January. Officially the most depressing day of the year. Says who? Well, says some Welsh scientist who though we all needed another reason to feel depressed. Actually, I am much more aware of moon cycles and happy Mondays. Is it a media conspiracy to exert its power over us to ignore the other real issues that are unfolding within our own countries leadership? Oh yes, they really do have the power to alter our mood states if we are not super vigilant. Even local and national radio stations have an active role in brainwashing us. Take for example the playlist of lyrics that occupies peak time listening.
'I would catch a grenade for you.... I’d jump in front of a train for you.’
All set to a catchy tune to disguise the undertones of love, pain and despair. And that’s number one! Even lines like ‘do you ever feel like a plastic bag’ have a happy ending.
I’m surprised that we don’t use this as an excuse to head to the pub or send each other cards, flowers, chocolates, cuddly toys and all that good stuff. Maybe we can make a national event of it, take the day off and go and do something uplifting and motivational instead. Or is it a really useful day to empathise with the masses about feeling pretty crap, having ditched the exercise plan and eating for three again? It’s certainly a great slot to promote support groups, positive psychology and lifestyle choices.
So, having somehow managed to avoid all mention of the big blue until about 4pm I had already decided that it was a most productive day. In fact, a great start to the week. Instead of joining the whinge fest, I washed my cares away in the little blue. Nothing better than a few lengths of the pool to get the head into the right space. Kick, pull, breath. Kick, pull, breath.
I consciously choose not to buy into mass mood manipulation unless it is of a positive kind. Celebrate your humanness which means not being perfect. Work your way bravely through the paperwork and bills that need your attention. Get help if that’s what it takes.
So how does it feel now? Well, the sun is shining and the moon close to 100% tonight with beautiful clear skies. All is well in my head and my heart. I hope that my positive mood will have a ripple effect on all those I come into contact with today. Happy Tuesday !!!
'I would catch a grenade for you.... I’d jump in front of a train for you.’
All set to a catchy tune to disguise the undertones of love, pain and despair. And that’s number one! Even lines like ‘do you ever feel like a plastic bag’ have a happy ending.
I’m surprised that we don’t use this as an excuse to head to the pub or send each other cards, flowers, chocolates, cuddly toys and all that good stuff. Maybe we can make a national event of it, take the day off and go and do something uplifting and motivational instead. Or is it a really useful day to empathise with the masses about feeling pretty crap, having ditched the exercise plan and eating for three again? It’s certainly a great slot to promote support groups, positive psychology and lifestyle choices.
So, having somehow managed to avoid all mention of the big blue until about 4pm I had already decided that it was a most productive day. In fact, a great start to the week. Instead of joining the whinge fest, I washed my cares away in the little blue. Nothing better than a few lengths of the pool to get the head into the right space. Kick, pull, breath. Kick, pull, breath.
I consciously choose not to buy into mass mood manipulation unless it is of a positive kind. Celebrate your humanness which means not being perfect. Work your way bravely through the paperwork and bills that need your attention. Get help if that’s what it takes.
So how does it feel now? Well, the sun is shining and the moon close to 100% tonight with beautiful clear skies. All is well in my head and my heart. I hope that my positive mood will have a ripple effect on all those I come into contact with today. Happy Tuesday !!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Blue Monday
Mood Warning: If you listen to the churnalism you are sure to be depressed.
Cure: A dose of Vincent Browne
In Fitness . In Health
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