Ireland's Big Issue 266 (August 2021)

Digital Edition Aug 2021 Is 266 Vol 19

Paul Martin From The High Life to a Fight for Life.

(Former Top Journalist’s Remarkable Journey)

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Page 6

takes on the Quick-Fire Questions round.

Letter to my Younger Self – Guy Pearce

Page 28 The Assassination of Kevin O’Higgins

Neighbours star turned Hollywood actor Guy Pearce (53) has a word with his teenage self.

Page 8 With increased reliance on smartphones for social interactions, scammers are targeting those searching for love on dating apps.

Samantha McMurdock reports.

Editor: Sean Kavanagh Ireland’s Big Issue Email: info@irelandsbigissue.com

Paul Martin: From the High Life to a Fight for Life.

How Ireland’s Mr. Showbiz hit rock bottom and bounced back, new, improved and brimming with wisdom.

Scholar by Day Street-Sweeper by Night One black man navigates Rio’s racial divide. Jimin Kang reports.

Domestic Violence During Lockdowns Samantha McMurdock looks at the statistics around lockdowns and domestic violence and asks, what can we do to protect the lives of women who fear another lockdown, trapped with their abuser.

Regulars

Hollywood Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

@BigIssue Ireland

The Truth is Out There

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Kyle Cunliffe looks at why the current UFO craze might be a problem of intelligence failings.

Page 10

Page 14 Digital Edition Contacts:

Sineád Dunlop looks back at the murder of Minister for Justice, Kevin O’Higgins, at the age of 35 by anti-Treaty members of the IRA on his way to Sunday Mass.

5 - Talking Point 20/21 – Photo World 26/27 – Screen Scene 32/33 - Book reviews 38 - Word Power

Shaun Anthony looks at the unlikely love story of Hollywood star Gloria Grahame and a jobbing actor almost 30 years her junior.

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Issues: Talking Point

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Low-Life’s Rule, Not OK

ineád Dunlop looks at the recent Dublin funeral of three hardened perpetual criminals and asks why our judges are not handing out consecutive sentences - if nothing else, to hinder the glamorising of thug life.

A priest, Father Donal Roche recently described the sitting in a jail cell? Why was social distancing not funeral of a perpetual criminal as “the most disturbing enforced (the numbers in church far exceeded 50)? liturgy I have ever been to.” The deceased was killed Where were the Garda? Why are these criminals alongside 2 other fellow criminals after their car afforded so much adoration? They appear to claim collided with a truck and burst into flames. The funeral everything from the state yet live a life of extravagance understandably brought as witnessed by the no criticism after attendees paid expense spared funeral! tribute to this person’s life Should steps be taken of crime, leaving tools of his to stop such funerals nocturnal trade like torches, taking place? The role car number-plates and the undertaker played screwdrivers as offerings. in facilitating such a These 3 individuals who hideous spectacle needs were part of a notorious to be investigated. criminal gang had over 200 convictions between Why are disenfranchised them and were deliberately young men revering driving on the wrong side of these thugs? If we look the road to avoid the police. at gangster films, they During the eulogies, one reached their apex It’s time family member said: “Sorry during the depression our judicial system realised that for the language father. era of the 1930s. People imposing concurrent sentences on people like Rest in peace you f***ing idolised the likes of this just affords them the opportunity to continue legend” to a great applause.

Bonnie & Clyde and their lives of depravity, glamorising it for countless Sickeningly, behind the altar George “Baby Face” impressionable young men... of the chapel, a huge banner Nelson. Could we learn on the wall read: “You know anything from this? The the score, get on the floor, Depression was a time don’t be funny, show me the money.” when honest people couldn’t make a living and these unscrupulous individuals took matters into their own The funeral procession was escorted by teens on hands and not only survived, but had enormous wealth scrambler motorbikes who stopped and revved their - creating the anti-hero. In an era when some people are engines along the route while blocking the roads. Outside struggling financially, it’s very easy for our young sons to the church there were scores of young people wearing look up to gangsters who have nice cars, houses and a t-shirts with Maguire on them and the maxim, “Legends pocket full of cash, and while the criminal justice system never die” printed underneath. Some legends!! These hands down Mickey Mouse sentences, they’re back out in low life cowards were a scourge on society, carrying out no time, reoffending and living it large. This sends a very heinous robberies including breaking in and robbing poor message to the disenfranchised young men (and from a 77-year-old woman in the middle of the night women) who view these people as daring and aspirational (this woman was so traumatised she could never return - two fingers up to the system they perceive as having to her home), grabbing a 65-year-old woman living with failed them. cancer by the neck, from her bed and demanding money and countless other stomach-churning offences. It says a Criminals like these and others should have been serving lot about the congregation and the respect they have for consecutive jail terms. It’s time our judicial system their own elderly relations that they applauded these realised that imposing concurrent sentences on people cowards, make no mistake about it, that’s what they were, like this just afford them the opportunity to continue cowards who preyed on the old and vulnerable. There their lives of depravity, glamorising it for countless are countless questions that need to be asked here. Why impressionable young men, leaving devastation in their were these men free to repeatedly commit crime and not wake for those trying to make an honest living.

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Issues: Life

Letter to my Younger Self G

Guy Pearce

uy Pearce has recently graced our screens in the TV series Jack Irish and the acclaimed Mare of Easttown, but it’s over thirty years since his first on-screen role as Mike Young in Neighbours.

The Aussie star, who is renowned for his work on stage and screen, talks fatherhood, fame and overcoming his fears.

Sixteen-year-old Guy was extremely buffed; he won the state junior bodybuilding competition at that age.

He was quite fixated on bodybuilding as well as on other things like music and acting. What was really fascinating to me about bodybuilding was it was also really creative.

The idea that you could shape your body, like you were doing sculpture. And, of course, my ego was involved but I probably didn’t realise it at the time.

I was doing it secretly, nobody at school knew about it, then I’d run out on the football field with a sleeveless top on and people would be like “Oh my God, where did you get those arms?!”

It was just me, my mum and my sister Tracy. My mum taught at a girls’ high school. She was the home economics and needlework teacher. My dad died when I was eight. He was killed in an accident. It was very dramatic and very quick and sudden and shocking. I remember mum telling me that it had happened and then I don’t really remember anything after that. I don’t think I realised until later in life Photo courtesy of ABC the effect it had on me. I think part of my anxiety was connected to losing my dad.

Also, I have a sister with an intellectual disability, and I felt quite a big responsibility to help mum with her. That’s a lot for an eight-year-old boy to take on, so I think the feelings of responsibility didn’t allow me to just relax and be a kid and be social and hang out with other kids. It was like my mind was somewhere else and it felt like socialising was all a bit fake. I didn’t know how to do it naturally.

I was antisocial. I could socialise but it took a lot of energy from me, and any sport or any activity that I could do on my own was much I was always really obsessed with certain girls, but easier. I loved playing football, tennis, fencing, jujitsu I never ever had the courage to put the hard word on – things where all my energy got to anybody. Never. I would only be with somebody be about what I was doing if they approached me. I was a pretty My dad died in an accident rather than having to young boy so there were girls who work well with other would go, “You sure you don’t when I was eight. It was very dramatic people. I’ve often want to come out with me for and very quick and sudden and found that in social dinner?” And I would go “Okay.” shocking... situations, particularly I don’t have the chutzpah to lean when I was younger, I’d have to forward and say, “Hey babe, how about me?” take myself outside for a minute just to catch my breath. I That’s not who I am. I would end up with girlfriends would be shocked if I was faced with my 16-year-old self and be in it for the long haul. I wasn’t flipping from one now and saw how much of a high frequency he vibrates person to the next ‘cause I just don’t get that. on.

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The biggest surprise of my life was when I landed the Whereas my mum was like, “There’s no time in the world for games; just get on with it.” role on Neighbours. I was 18 and I’d been doing a lot of theatre… I know that probably contradicts some of what I’ve been really lucky with work my whole life. From I’d said about being anti-social but getting to perform the moment I started looking for work when I was 18, I on stage when I was younger was a great escape for haven’t stopped. I look at Memento and me. It was fantastic and I loved Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and go, singing. I’d been told by my high how lucky am I? I never take any of it school drama teacher that a lot for granted. I really am appreciative of of actors are out of work a lot every new job that I get. And I feel that of the time. I’d been told all that holds me in good stead. And clearly, stuff and then within two weeks I’ve got some talent to be able to keep of heading up to Melbourne doing it. But I do go, wow, I’m really and going to meet agents I was lucky that I’ve had the opportunities offered a role on Neighbours. that I’ve had.

That was such a bizarre shock to me. Obviously losing dad What’s so strange and special about was a massive shock. And my job is you can actually go back and then when I started to work in watch something again. I can go and America – that was a pretty big, look at my 29-year-old self. And when surprising thing too. And then Monte’s older he could be flicking when my wife left in 2015. That through the TV and something comes was a pretty massive shock as on and he goes, “Oh my God, there’s well. There’s been a few big ones dad! Look how young he looks!” along the way. But I think the Guy with Jason Donovan & Kylie biggest surprise of all is my son.

Minogue in Neighbours.

If I could offer some advice to Having helped raise my sister, I my 16-year-old self I would tell him had no desire to have children. to slow down. Have some faith in yourself and know I really didn’t. I was like, “I’m done raising a child. I’ve done it my whole life.” So when [my partner] Carice [van what it is that you want to do. Do it one step at a time and know there’s something valid in it. I always felt Houten] and I had Monte… I still can’t really believe that everything I did was a sort of sneaky escape from that I actually have a child! It’s like a really what everyone else was doing and that slow shock. Don’t get me wrong, it really wasn’t valid, but for some I love him beyond belief. But If a hundred people came reason I was really driven to do the idea that he is actually and saw a film I’d done and one it. But I was desperately afraid my son still surprises me person didn’t think it was that great, that someone would ask me sometimes. that’s the person I’d focus on. about it. Desperately afraid that someone at school would ask me The biggest challenge in about the acting or the bodybuilding. my life is probably my own anxiety.

And if anyone was ever cynical about what I did or To be present and not have head noise dictate who I am, I would crumble. I’d absolutely crumble. I’d the situation. In a way, having Monte is forcing me to go, “No, you’re right! I shouldn’t be doing this! I’ll stop!” be patient. It’s forcing me to listen more and to be in the Everybody else had power over me always. And it’s still moment, and that’s wonderful. But that’s probably been a test and a challenge for me today. If a hundred people the biggest challenge. And being social, it’s wrapped up came and saw a film I’d done and one person didn’t think together really. it was that great, that’s the person I’d focus on. Now I’m a whole lot better at going “That’s your opinion and that’s The biggest life lesson I’ve learned from my mum is about being straight up and cutting the bullshit. My mum fine.” At the same time, I didn’t really think I deserved to have any praise. I didn’t want any praise. I didn’t want any cannot stand anyone who’s trying to pull the wool over our eyes. If anyone’s trying anything, Mum literally would attention. I just wanted to do what I was doing and not have any focus on it. And it wasn’t until I started going put her hand up and go “urgh” and turn the other way. I totally get where it comes from. I get that she just doesn’t to therapy 25 years ago that I got much better at owning what I do. So, I would go back and tell my younger self to have time for games. And in a way, that’s been a bit hard own and be proud of what I could do and what I wanted for me, to try and therefore just play games with my to do. four-and-a-half-year-old son. That’s a bit of a new thing for me, so my son is teaching me to be more playful.

Courtesy of The Big Issue Australia / INSP.ngo

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Issues: Current

Dating Sites Scammers Preying on Social Isolation

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ith increased reliance on smartphones for human interaction, many so-called romance scammers are targeting people searching for love on dating apps.

Samantha McMurdock reports.

In rural Ireland many young men are being scammed on dating sites such as Badoo. Recently an old school friend, Mindi told me her son Darren (20) has been sending money to a 23-year-old woman, supposedly a lingerie model in Queens, New York, “My son’s been working 14-hour-days for over two years but never has any money….

I didn’t know what was going on….I was terrified he was on drugs …..he has a problem alright, but she is 3,000 miles away draining him of every penny…..”

tried to convince him this is a swindle,” Mindi exclaimed.

“I almost think he’s just stuck his head in the sand ….

There’s no reaching him.”

Darren’s story is far from unique, many people male and female, thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones and the isolation from lockdowns are searching for social interaction and love on the web and unfortunately falling prey to an ever-increasing number of conartists who view apps like Tinder, Badoo and Plenty of Fish as their hunting ground.

Darren has “sent more than £7,000 …. it could be I was recently speaking with “…..I was terrified he was on drugs …..he more…but that’s what he’s has a problem alright, but she is 3,000 miles away a young man from the same admitted to” to a woman village who told me he and draining him of every penny…..” who “claims every couple of his best friend had been weeks that she’s coming over to see conned out of close to £600 each him, but at the last minute there’s always a after they’d been approached on Badoo “by problem, a cable bill that needs paying, a broken ‘phone two gorgeous women.” Matthew (26), who had previously that needs replaced, car problems, an apartment fire, a been duped on the same site (sent money for a new grandmother’s death … the most recent was that she had mobile ‘phone) asked his uncle to look at the messages an accident outside her gym, which Darren is also paying and not only were the declarations of love in Nigerian the membership for and she needed £2,000 for surgery as broken-English but after a reverse Google image search, she hasn’t got health insurance.” his uncle discovered the photos belonged to a 19-year-old promotions girl in Ohio, USA, not a 24-year-old nurse in Mindi tells me that Darren is “ensnared” by “Skyler” and Liverpool and the other girl’s images were from a 17-yearconvinced her stories are authentic, despite having never old schoolgirl in Sweden, not a 22-year-old university spoken to her on the ‘phone or seen her on Skype or student in Glasgow. Matthew messaged his match and Zoom, stating his uncle is a police officer and not only did he not hear from her again - her profile disappeared (the “I’m sick of having the same conversation with him, I’ve same thing happened when Matthew’s friend Christopher 8

Tips to Remember if Interacting on Dating Apps

messaged his match with the unearthed information).

In this one small village alone, Matthew told me at least 15 of his friends have been sending money to girls they consider their girlfriends and he told me of one teenage boy (the 16-year-old younger brother of a friend) who was sent nude photos and asked for a video of him pleasuring himself.

1. Romance scammers will profess When he told her he had no When he told her he love very quickly and are experts money she threatened to send the video to his had no money she in social manipulation, so sound contact list - including his mother. threatened to send the very convincing. Many of the video to his contact list signs of a dating app scammer are including his mother. subtle and cunning because they’re trying to build trust before they exploit you. Remember, these A recent report stated that the average amount lost by people are attempting to obtain personal people fooled by details from you so that they’ll obtain the romance scams answers to security questions that lock averaged at €18,000 down your accounts across the internet. per person last Guard your personal information and year, but were as be wary if someone comes on strong high as €50,000 but and asks too many questions (the young that most people man above - Matthew had one girl ask never report the him his mother’s maiden name and his crime as they’re too first pet’s name in the second or third embarrassed. chat …. But not all are this brazen so beware).

It’s an unsettling time due to 2. Romance scammers will always need Covid-19 and its money for some emergency, hospital bill very easy to see how or travel. people are caught up in the attentions 3. Dating app scammers will try to of an attractive lure you off the site and use personal mate who says all email or instant messaging to continue the right things. communication. At first, this might It’s also extremely not seem like a red flag. When you are isolating when getting to know someone, you’ll naturally people realise they’ve been scammed as the victims find want to move beyond the dating site and use other forms it difficult to tell family and friends due to the blame they of communication. Be very cautious when someone asks can face for being gullible. Like Matthew explained, for your ‘phone number or email address. This makes it even easier for them to access your personal information.

“My mum actually screamed at me and said, not once but twice you’ve been fooled ….you’re an idiot. I’ve learned 4. These scammers always plan to visit but cancel because my lesson but every time she sees me on the ‘phone now of an emergency. Don’t get caught in their snare. she thinks I’m on Badoo. I know so many people paying money out every week to girls online and I’ve tried to tell If you think you or someone you know is the them they’re being taken the hand of [conned], but they victim of a romance scam, please see the link don’t listen …. Then again, neither did I …. It’s hard, below from An Garda Síochána. we all want to meet somebody and when you live in a country area it’s even harder. It’s exciting when you get https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud/am-i-aapproached by a really gorgeous woman - you want more victim-of-a-romance-scam-.html than anything to believe they want you. I hate the people who think it’s ok doing this to people, it’s cruel - it affects Or phone 101 if you’re in N.I. you in so many ways. It makes me second-guess myself in everything now.”

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Issues: Life

From the High Life to a Fight for Life: How Ireland’s Mr. Showbiz hit rock bottom to savour sweet salvation.

THE TRIALS AND TROUBLES OF PAUL MARTIN

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was cruising at an altitude of exactly 26,000ft on from the adrenaline crash which usually kicks in about Johnny Ronan’s private jet when I realised how ten minutes after I had dreamed up my latest monster utterly miserable, I was. As the twin Royals Royce exclusive. It was an unwelcomed feeling that tortured me. engines of the jet-black speed That feeling was a phenomenon machine owned by one of known to normal man but not to Ireland’s richest men thundered many of us journalists. Especially down runway number two at me. It was called ‘a conscience’.

Dublin’s windswept air hub the destination was, my favourite I pondered how even after 12 getaway spot: Debauchery. years of brutal exclusives, cutting Or, to be more precise, the exposes and spiteful stories that I edifice that is Britain’s most would still suffer expensive building - Battersea these most unwelcome pangs Power Station - which my of guilt. Maybe somewhere in new partner in Crime had just my subconscious, before my life bought for a not insignificant became tabloid newspapers, before £532m. That evening I’d I was making silly money from be popping champagne in showbiz scoops, before the sports the penthouse suite of the cars, before the £2000 Armani Clarence Hotel and dining suits, before the dizzying fame with Johnny and Live Aid icon of wine throwing and Celebrity Bob Geldof. And, of course, Come Dine With Me, before the property developer would the private jets and before the be picking up the tab as part endless doctors prescriptions to Cancer Comeback: CBD paste heralded an of our increasingly beneficial manage my self-inflicted chemical epic health comeback. friendship. highs and lows, there was still a little bit of that quiet, polite and Precisely one hour earlier I caring young boy that my mum made a triumphant exit from the offices of the Irish had raised to respect and protect people’s feelings. Just Mirror to a hero’s reception having landed another maybe. front-page exclusive that had sent my tabloid competitors into a How had it come to this? I would I was sent packing from the collective meltdown. ask myself on an almost daily basis house and found myself as I sped from showbiz parties to Modelesque young expensive restaurants all in the name homeless. wannabee journalists in of landing front page scoops. Despite expensive skirts manhandled me to the subtle inset of daily bouts of anxiety and my desk, lavishing wide-eyed praise and slipping me self-loathing, I convinced myself that drinking in the phone numbers for good measure. The spoils of a dream ego-fuelled hedonism amid the lifestyles of the rich job. And that job was..selling my soul. To many, such a and dysfunctional was my calling. I was a fully signeddizzyingly glamorous lifestyle may seem like the dream up member to another world where money talked and ticket. But as I rested my increasingly troubled mind on bullsh*t walked.

Johnny’s leather clad recliners and clutching a glass of Crystal champagne, I could never have imagined the Then, a sinister series of events seemingly conjured up by spectacular fall from grace that lay in wait. By the time I the Karma Gods set me on what seemed like a one-way swept up to ‘come down’ that would invariably come pass to the boneyard changed everything.

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Death: Life’s ultimate equalizer.

stepping away from a 20 year career, the damage was fatal.

At just 41-years-old my world was turned upside down by a cataclysmic series of life defeats that pushed me to the From the high life to a fight for life. very edge and left me kissing the lips of mortality.

The carnage from that summer of hell still. The car Then, against all odds, a life-changing salvation in a crash started fall from grace was swift and without mercy. syringe. It was packed with a dark brown sticky substance Years of working 60-hour weeks and jetting around which my sister, Suzanne, had promised would ‘change the world had taken a toll on my mental health. Quite my life and transforms my fortunes.” suddenly, I began waking up each morning to waves of I didn’t hold out much hope. It sounded like some anxiety and crippling dread. magic conjunction that Willy Wonka and his Oompa Then, following a final Loompa’s would have conjured ill-fated family holiday up in their mysterious chocolate in Italy where I manged, factory. But this was far from quite comically to the stuff of fantasy. It was CBD microwave the spending high concentration paste. I money for the entire took the first dose in what was trip, my marriage an empowering declaration of imploded in what felt war against my horrific cancer like a terminal blow. I diagnosis. was sent packing from the house and found Over the next three months I myself homeless. I felt upped my dosage and hoped embarrassed. I felt for the best. I was ready for the ashamed. But most of worst. “Are you afraid of dying?”

Jet set Lifestyle: Paul & Louis Walsh all, I felt sick. my good friend Stephen Nolan at his Miami Beach home I moved into my asked on his radio show. “No,” mother’s home and spent sleepless nights fretting about I replied without hesitation. “But I am terrified of my how it had all gone so wrong. But just when I thought children growing up without me.” things couldn’t get any worse, they managed to throw Then, a quite remarkable health turnaround. Stunned life’s ultimate curveball: A potentially terminal cancer doctors gave me the all-clear after the tumour shrunk diagnosis. My weight had now plummeted to a pitiful 8 to almost unidentifiable levels without even the need and-a-half stones. I resembled a walking corpse and by for chemo. Furthermore, my mental health had taken the time I finally collapsed during a midnight dash to the a remarkable turn for the better. After years of battling bathroom I could barely draw a breath. my inner demons and struggling to find peace, I I had somehow managed to was somehow managing to emerge Suddenly, discover a level below from a year of hell feeling adrenalin fuelled adventures rock bottom, and a six more energetic than ever and chasing salacious scoops were week stay in hospital ready to launch an almighty substituted for coffee meetings with confirmed my biggest comeback. cancer patients ... fears: That a stage four cancer growth on my lung I was in no mood to repeat the was threatening to send me on a trip mistakes of the past. As I got the final allto the big showbiz party in the sky, In a final catastrophic clear from doctors and received a round of applause as I blow, my financial lifeline - a successful freelance strutted joyfully out of Belfast City Hospital’s cancer unit, journalism business that had put food on the table for my I made a vow that, admittedly, sounds like it had been children for the best part of eight years - was obliterated lifted straight from the syrupy script of a Hollywood B overnight. movie. Inspired by the angels of our hospital wards that had nursed me through hell with a reassuring smile, I One of Ireland’s biggest newspapers mystifyingly retired told myself that it was payback time. That going forward me when they ran a story about my cancer diagnosis I was going to give more than I took. I was going to listen calling me a “former journalist” despite the fact that I more than I talked and, most importantly, I was going to had been busier than ever writing exclusives. The bogus embrace change rather than fear it. I won’t lie. It seemed message soon spread around the media that cancer had like an almighty challenge for a man who had indulged put me off limits for commissioning stories and I had in the enthralling but vacuous showbiz world for two packed the job in. While it was news to me that I was decades. The opportunity to atone for years of soulless 11

champagne sipping with fame-seeking wannabees presented itself when I wrote about my empowering CBD paste comeback in a national newspaper. Suddenly my inbox was bulging with messages not to ask if I would attend a VIP launch but to request help. I’m not a surgeon or a shrink, a doctor or a life coach. But the tidal wave of those sick with cancer, sick with depression or just sick of life, was unrelenting. They wanted to know more about the paste.

They wanted the cure. The wanted the paste. But most of all, they just wanted to talk.

a hard time or a cancer survivor telling me of their medical wins.

Then, as shocking news spread that Mr. Showbiz has a heart, invites came pouring in with invites to deliver motivational speeches at conferences, to workforces and to sports teams about overcoming adversity. The final win was also delivered, quite fittingly from the hospital wards. Her name was Jenny Krieger and she made a living saving lives in paediatric surgery in sunny Miami. We met amid the tumult of a heaving dive bar nestled amid the neon clad side streets of South Beach, buzzing with feverish anticipation as it prepared to play host to the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet. Her arresting beauty and All-American smile drew me like a forcefield. One of those ‘I knew she was the one from the moment I laid eyes on her’ moments’ that belonged in the pages of a The Biggest Win: Ditched a date with melancholy Mills and Boon novel.

J-Lo for Miami doctor Jenny Krieger

Suddenly, adrenalin fuelled adventures chasing salacious scoops were substituted for coffee meetings with cancer patients going through a similar battle as I had emerged from.

Showbiz parties exchanged for afternoons trading war stories with people who But the Showbiz God’s Had were battling depression and those who were desperate Other Ideas. to alleviate years engulfed by the “Tell J-Lo pernicious cloud of chronic In a final ironic twist, I was faced with a pain and regarded my CBD life choice, so to speak, on the night we I can’t make it.” comeback as a beacon of hope. met: To carry on dancing to the tune of Then, over a period of months. as a new future or surrender myself, once again, to many of those who reached out to me began their own the seducing allure of celebrity which, in this case, was life transformations, I experienced a buzz that no front the offer of a lunchtime meeting and exclusive interview page exclusive of VIP night out could ever compete with. with Jennifer Lopez who was about to star in the half The kind of splendorous sense of purpose that must pull time show to a global TV audience of billions. our over-worked and under paid hospital heroes through The proposed soiree which would have been the envy of the seemingly futile battles they wage on our hospital every scoop-hunting journalist in Super Bowl City. But wards across Ireland daily. My phone was buzzing day it clashed directly with plans I had made with the other and night with updates from the countless people I Jenny, just moments earlier, to take her on our first official had dedicated my time and energies to giving pep talks date for lunch the next day. that there was ‘always hope’. They told me of their life changing gains and how my taking the time just to listen Lessons learned from my crushing downfall; my mind had been a pivotal part of their life turnaround. I felt darted back to that flight on Johnny Ronan’s private jet unworthy and humbled. But most of all, I felt joy. where I had accomplished everything I could dream of Parking my ego and opening my heart seemingly was as a professional journalist yet felt utterly unfulfilled. seemingly paying dividends for the soul that were more Without hesitation I picked up my phone to call back the affirming than a pay cheque or front-page exclusive NFL press office: “Tell J Lo I can’t make it.” could ever deliver. People were coming up to me in the The instant decision to replace J-Lo with J-Krieger, to streets not to lambast me over a controversial comment pick enlightenment over ego, has been the ultimate life on TV, but to shake my hand and say, “Thanks for giving win. me my mum back.”

The days of chasing front pages and notoriety made way Now, I spend my time not chasing front pages but for taking 3am phone calls from someone going through planning exciting reunions with the spectacular life force 12

who has delivered the ultimate cure: Salvation of my soul.

Against all odds, our relationship thrived through countless lockdowns, No Secrets in condoning the Showbiz: Paul, constraints of the aged 33, when ‘new normal’ by he became enjoying romantic Ireland’s face time dates. youngest Instead of late nights ever national sipping champagne in newspaper velvet clad VIP areas, editor.

I would stage face time dance offs with Jenny’s beautiful sons Ezzie and Shalom from 4000 miles apart and we now enjoy a magical bond which blossomed over a phone screen. And while even today I can never venture too far without hearing ‘Mr. Showbiz!’ shouted from across a busy street, it’s a very different VIP lifestyle that allures me these days.

the greatest life scoop of all.

Editor’s Note: We at Ireland’s Big Issue do not endorse or oppose the use of CBD products but would like to make the disclaimer that this article describes Paul’s personal experience using cannabidiol.

It is important to talk to your cancer doctor before using CBD oil. CBD can affect some cancer treatments, and your cancer doctor needs to know about any possible effects or side effects you might have.

Very Important Presence. Just to be there and to listen is

13

Issues: Overcoming Adversity

Scholar by Day, Street-Sweeper By Night

O

ne black man navigates Rio’s racial divide. Jimin Kang reports:

Felipe Luther spends his afternoons studying for a degree from one of Brazil’s top universities, tucked in the green hills of Rio de Janeiro above the ritzy beaches of Leblon and Ipanema.

He spends his nights hauling trash in those wealthy communities below.

the municipal cleaning agency since 2009.

“Many students like me start working when they are very young,” said Luther, who comes from humble roots in the northern reaches of Rio, more than two hours from campus.

“This reduces the time and structure they need to be able to compete with children of the elite.”

“When I tell my classmates about my job, they’re often shocked,” Luther said in an interview.

Studying at PUC-Rio has put Luther’s dreams within reach, while In 2017, he bringing got a full him face-toscholarship face with the to the social Felipe Luther at home in Rio studying for his degree. overwhelmingly sciences Photo: Pilar Olivares white elite of a program at country where the Pontifical 54 per cent of people have African ancestry.

Catholic University of Rio (PUC-Rio), a private school that has minted central bank presidents and movie stars.

In 2000, the national census found white Brazilians were five times more likely to have Luther’s rare opportunity and daily attended university than their In one routine are reminders of the Black, mixed race and disparities in Brazilian case, a woman mistook Luther for society and Rio in an elevator operator. In another, someone tried indigenous peers. particular, where to pay him for a cup of coffee, confusing him “Because there are so a police raid killing few Black people at this with cafeteria staff. dozens in May stirred renowned university, many fresh debate about the dangers view Black folks as servers, not as fellow and disadvantages facing Black men like him. classmates,” Luther said, recalling awkward run-ins on campus.

Luther, 38, had previously passed up college for work to support his family, including a job sweeping streets with In one case, a woman mistook Luther for an elevator 14

operator. In another, someone tried to pay him for a cup of coffee, confusing him with cafeteria staff.

and makes a point of staying off the streets in certain neighbourhoods at night.

“It hurts, in a way, because you get the impression that you don’t belong there,” he reflected.

“Even if I were rich or very famous, I would still be living in a Black body in a city, a state, a country where Black people seem expendable,” he said.

Brazil’s educational inequalities have only grown during the pandemic, as remote classes force students to rely on More than three-quarters of the almost 9,000 people resources at home, widening a gap between the haves killed by Brazilian police over the last decade were Black and the havemen, according nots. to Human Rights Even if I were rich or very famous, I would still be living in a Watch. black body in a city, a state, a country where black people seem For months, expendable,” he said.

Luther was Connecting with reading at night ancestry by candlelight in Despite threats, AfroNiterói, across Brazilian culture the bay from continues to thrive campus, where in Brazil as it has for his student centuries. residence often lacked power.

Twice a week, Luther He charged visits a local “terreiro” his phone and to practice Umbanda, laptop at work a religion with origins and used them in West African to study until his spiritual traditions. street-sweeping Dressed in all-white shift from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. clothing with beaded necklaces hanging over his chest, Luther participates in dances, songs and rituals with “For my course, which demands a lot of reading, I need fellow believers. a better computer than the one I got. But some people aren’t even given a computer,” he said, noting the array “It connects me with my ancestry,” he said. of challenges for disadvantaged students forced to Popularized in Rio in the 1930s, Umbanda, like fellow study from home. “Not all phones are good enough for Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé, has roots in the working, and not everyone has a phone ... or enough transatlantic slave trade, which brought as many as 5 internet data to download their readings.” million enslaved people from Africa to Brazil 10 times the Protesting ‘genocide’ number brought to the United States.

Recent events in Rio have underscored even greater challenges Luther faces as a Black man.

In May, police stormed Jacarezinho, a poor community in northern Rio, in a raid targeting the Red Command drug gang. The hours-long shootout killed 27 men in the neighbourhood and one officer, making it one of the deadliest police operations in the city’s history and drawing backlash from human rights groups.

Luther, who has two sisters living a few minutes from Jacarezinho, joined a demonstration in Rio the week after the deadly raid, using the official anniversary of abolition in the country to protest police violence against Afro-Brazilians.

“NO to genocide against Black people,” read one protestor’s sign.

Those who sought to practice their rituals free from the harassment by Europeans would blend their native traditions with elements of Catholicism, creating syncretic religions now practiced by over half a million people in the country.

Brazilian churches often serve as community centres, like the one where Luther took a free college prep course in 2017, setting him on his journey to PUC-Rio. Once he gets his degree, Luther says one of his goals is to begin teaching college prep courses in low-income communities, opening the door for the next generation of aspiring students.

“I want to give back to other young people by allowing them to hope that this is possible,” he said.

Luther said he lives in constant fear of police violence

Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo

15

Issues: Tales of Hollywood

Hollywood stars don’t die in Liverpool The unlikely Love Story of Gloria Grahame and Peter Turner

H

e was a jobbing actor from a rough council estate in Liverpool, she was an Oscarwinning movie star from an affluent Californian family and almost three decades his senior. How did Peter Turner (26) meet, fall in love with and finally, provide a safe haven for one of Hollywood’s favourite screen sirens, Gloria Grahame? Shaun Anthony reports.

in the audience and signed her up to MGM Studios Gloria Grahame was one of film noir’s most iconic actresses, oozing seductiveness with her lisping voice and directly after the show, which led to her debut in Blonde Fever (1944) and (on loan to RKO Studios) as the sleepy eyes but could just as easily morph into jovial, flirtatious roles like that of Violet Bick in It’s a Wonderful flirtatious Violet Bick in It’s a Wonderful Life opposite James Stewart.

Life (1946) and Ado Despite the Annie in Rodgers success of the and Hammerstein’s film, MGM Oklahoma! (1955). didn’t want to For those unaware keep her and of Gloria Grahame sold her contract she was born Gloria to RKO. Gloria Grahame Hallward would go on on 28 November to feature in 1923 to an author countless film and architect father, noirs as the Michael Hallward troubled beauty and a stage actress with irresistible and acting teacher sexual charisma mother, Jeanne. which resulted Gloria had an older in her receiving sister Joy who was an Oscar 12 years her senior nomination for (also an actress) who Best Supporting married actor John Actress (for Mitchum (the younger Crossfire), brother of Robert). however, having Gloria’s mother married a drunken, jealous gambler (Stanley Clements) wanted her children to be actresses and they were given two years prior, things had daily diction and drama lessons become as pessimistic from early childhood. ….pressured into having cosmetic work done, she was as the lives of the left with paralysis of her upper lip which affected her women she portrayed Gloria is Spotted speech and appearance… on screen and (pregnant with director Nicholas Ray’s Gloria dropped out of high baby) she divorced Clements and married school before completing her studies in a bid to hit Ray the same day! the audition trail and would make her Broadway debut Christmas of 1943 as Florrie in The World’s Full of It was no secret in Hollywood that Gloria was looking for Girls. Fortuitously, Louis B. Mayer was 16

something but could never quite find it, whether it be in the arms of men, film roles or shopping for nonsensical items. Family and friends would later say that she was always in search of happiness but when it arrived, “she’d doubt it then destroy it.”

The Smear Campaign Film offers came thick and fast after starring alongside Humphrey Bogart in the film, In a Lonely Place (even though it wasn’t a box-office hit, her performance was considered exceptional), however, Howard Hughes refused to lend her out for Born Yesterday and A Place in the Sun (two films she begged his permission to accept) and instead made her perform a supporting role in Macao (it would later transpire that Hughes, now painfully aware that Gloria would never provide sexual favours used every opportunity to punish her). Still, you can’t keep a good woman down and despite having only nine minutes of screen time on The Bad and the Beautiful, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her happiness was short-lived as stories appeared in newspapers soon after that her second husband Ray had came home to find her in bed with her 14-year-old stepson (a rumour many believe was the beginning of a cruel besmirching crusade to destroy her reputation).

Gloria filed for divorce, stating her husband had hit her and a messy parting ensued. Still, 1952, career-wise would be the highlight of her movie career, starring alongside Joan Crawford in Sudden Fear (despite fighting over the affections of Jack Palance), with Glenn Ford in Human Desire, as a wealthy seductress in Not as a

Stranger and even did all her own stunts as Angel the Elephant Girl in The Greatest Show on Earth (which won an Oscar for Best Film).

Sadly Gloria’s star would begin fading after the musical Oklahoma! - her fans were used seeing her as a film noir siren and felt she was miscast as the country girl in a wholesome musical. Having been pressured into having cosmetic work done, she was left with paralysis of her upper lip which affected her speech and appearance and she was becoming increasingly paranoid as she needed to pack under her upper lip with tissue (much to the displeasure of her leading men in kissing scenes).

Her third marriage to Cy Howard was also on the rocks and she sought out the affections of her ex-step-son, Anthony Ray and they wed (leading everyone to believe the original rumour to be true).

Defamatory stories started springing up more frequently now in celebrity magazines - and Gloria, much like other stars preWeinstein knew she’d refused sexual favours one time too often to the powers-thatbe and was paying the price, so slowly she returned to her first love, the theatre - and despite this appearing to be a fall from grace, Gloria Grahame would find, for the first time in her life, the love and stability she’d always craved - in the most peculiar of places.

Gloria meets Peter Turner In 1978 work had dried up considerably for Gloria and she took on theatre work in the U.K. Peter Turner (26) was staying at the top of a theatrical boarding house near Regent’s Park in London and Grahame (55) was 17

staying in the ground-floor apartment. Peter had no idea who this ‘Gloria Grahame’ was, after all, this was before DVDs and YouTube but he did wonder why a celebrated actress of her calibre was staying in such a humble abode as opposed to The Ritz, however, in reality, Grahame had little money to spare. Early each morning Peter heard her Best Supporting Actress doing voice Oscar win in 1953 exercises and was intrigued to meet the star his landlady enthused about.

It didn’t take long, just a few days later Gloria opened the door and spotted Turner hovering in the hallway, “Have you seen Saturday Night Fever?” She asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Oh, that’s good,” she said. “In that case you can come in and help me practise the disco moves we’re doing in my dance class.”

where my mother was a cleaner. Aged seven, I would accompany her there and, while she picked up discarded theatre tickets and sweet wrappers between shows, I’d go on the stage as it was being brushed and imagine I was an actor in a play.” Gloria and Peter had fallen for one another but Turner knew that a lot of that love was for his family. “Gloria adored my family and she seemed very at ease when we were all together.”

In August 1980 when Gloria and Peter had been together two years they moved into an apartment on the 25th floor of what Peter called “a Manhattan skyscrap’er”. Gloria was in her element and loved shopping in junk shops for bargains, coming home, elated with her finds. It seemed that Grahame was finally at peace - she was genuinely happy.

Or so Peter thought.

Gloria started to become evasive and emotionally cold. She would no longer talk about the future.

Believing she must be having an affair, Peter got a flight home and the pair didn’t speak for a year.

Defamatory stories started springing up more frequently in newspaper and celebrity magazines….

Eventually Peter had to leave for work. “Maybe I’ll catch you later,” she said, putting her tongue against the roof of her mouth and throwing her hair back and to one side. “That was the Grahame look — and it certainly worked on me,” Peter would laugh later. From that moment on, Peter and Gloria were inseparable.

They’d eat together, go for long walks around London, watch plays at fringe theatres and talk into the small hours.

Peter noticed that Gloria’s favourite topic was hearing stories from his childhood,

“She loved me to tell her stories about my childhood in Liverpool with my eight older brothers and sisters, about my father making toys out of old bits of wood to give us all at Christmas, about childhood summer holidays spent on the beach at New Brighton,” Turner wrote in a piece for the Daily Mail back in 2017, “Her favourite was about the Pivvy, an old variety theatre

A year later Peter heard that Gloria was was about to take a role in a nearby theatre and hoped she’d come and see him, but instead he received a distraught phone call from her. She’d collapsed, been rushed to hospital and discharged herself to a local hotel. Some years before she’d met Peter With Bogart in ‘In a Lonely she’d beat cancer, but it had returned - that’s why Place’ 1950 she was acting out-ofcharacter in New York.

Gloria begged Peter to come and get her, “I discovered her lying in bed in a small hotel room, the curtains half closed. Except for a tangle of blonde hair, I couldn’t actually see her. She was completely covered by a blanket. ‘Gloria, what’s wrong?’ I asked. ‘Let me see your face.’ ‘Don’t look at me,’ she said, but slowly pulled 18

away the blanket.”

with her, Peter’s mother gave her a floral nightdress and the local GP called and said she’d soon slip into a coma.

Beside her bed was a suitcase with publicity photos Instead, Gloria got out of bed and tried to apply makeof her as the up but failed, she was too glam Tinsel With Peter weak.” Peter helped her Town star she back to bed. He had a play once was, but that night and wanted to now she was, have the understudy stepaccording in, but Gloria was adamant to Turner, the show must go on and “Wearing old as she lay, tucked in, in make-up, her the little single bed, she face was thin asked Peter to tell her the and grey and stories of he and his family, her hair was growing up in the house. knotted.”

What it was about that simple, modest family that Doctors in brought a Hollywood star Lancaster wanted to She loved me to tell her stories about my childhood in Liverpool such peace is a source of wonder and a question fans with my 8 older brothers and sisters... operate will be asking for decades immediately to remove a large tumour (she’d stomach cancer) but Gloria to come. refused to go back to hospital. Terrified, Peter told her Gloria passed away, aged just 57 - a great talent was lost he was calling her family, but she said she didn’t want and one of Hollywood’s most troubled stars was gone “fuss”. “Then what can I do,” Peter asked desperately. professionally unfulfilled but having at last found peace “Take me to Liverpool,” she replied. She wanted to go to and love .

Peter’s parent’s modest council house. Having very little

19

Protestant church of Saint Guillaume in Strasbourg, France

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Issue: IHSL News

Tracey Patterson Memorial Cup

A

brilliant day and a big thank you to Street Soccer NI for inviting us to participate in the Tracey Patterson Memorial Cup in Belfast on Saturday 24th July.

Our Street League ladies once again did us proud reaching the semi-finals of the competition only to be knocked out on penalties 4-2 by an excellent and sporting Crusaders side after the match finish 2-2 in normal time. It was hard luck on the IHSL team who played so well throughout, this being the third time they have been knocked out of tournaments in penalty shootouts.

There was, however some consolation for our Street League side with our Goalkeeper Rachel Burke winning Keeper of the Tournament.

A special presentation was made to Tracey’s mum by Street Soccer NI in honour of her beautiful daughter, who sadly passed away recently. It was a poignant moment for all, as the sun bathed us in its warmth, the day was a fitting tribute to Tracey who represented Northern Ireland with pride at the Homeless World Cup in Norway in 2017 .

Tracey’s mum receives a special presentation from the Street soccer NI.

23

Rachel Burke (Street League) receives Goalkeeper Award from Northern Ireland International Julie Nelson

Quick Fire Questions With ......

I

Dara McAnulty

n occasional issues we sit a celebrity down on the hotseat and ask them some quick fire questions. This issue, naturalist, writer & environmental campaigner, Dara McAnulty from Northern Ireland takes on the challenge.

You’re one of the world’s most acclaimed nature writers, what with your first book ‘Diary of a Young Naturalist’ winning the Wainwright Prize and your work Dara (17) bird watching being compared with the likes of Ted Hughes. Did you ever dream that a young guy from Co. Down would be taking the nature world by storm?

I have absolutely no idea to be honest! I know I want to go to university and study biology. I want to continue to write as long as I can. I’d love to publish a poetry anthology and I would just like to keep giving back to nature and to my community. I’d love to set up a charity to help young people and am currently exploring the idea.

It’s hard when life is so busy!

Absolutely not, it’s still a strange feeling. I have won four awards for my book and none of it feels real, even though the trophies are there to see. I just feel very grateful for every new opportunity to share my words and my perspective of the world.

Where’s your favourite parts of Co. Down (or Ireland in general) to enjoy nature?

The Mourne Mountains because I love exploring close to home. Big Dog Forest in Fermanagh is a very magical place. The Burren in Co Clare for its rugged wildness.

Diary of a Young Naturalist encouraged children across the island and beyond to examine the wildlife around them. Who inspired you?

What advice would you have for any young person, inspired by your writing who wants to learn about the wildlife/nature around them (i.e. book recommendations, TV programmes, podcasts etc)?

Learning from nature itself is the best thing, observing birds and insects and finding out about them in more detail is the best way to grow your knowledge and connect with nature. I think the media world can flood you with too much information, getting outside is the best way of learning! Any documentary by Sir David Attenborough though, is fantastic. Join a wildlife organisation like Birdwatch Ireland, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Bat Conservation Ireland or The Vincent Wildlife Trust – this is a great way to get advice from experts, go along for guided walks and get really

In the first instance, my parents. They allowed me to freely explore the world outdoors and simultaneously gave me access to knowledge by bringing me to the library every week to take out books on wildlife and science. Those were the best foundations I could have asked for. My dad is a conservation scientist who helps look after the protected nature sites in Northern Ireland.

He inspires me every day. Alongside this, Chris Packham and Sir David Attenborough are hugely inspirational as is Liz Bonin and Dr. Jane Goodall.

You’re very young and have achieved an awful lot. What else would you like to achieve professionally and personally?

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excited by the amazing wildlife we have here in Ireland!

Your new book Wild Child is simply wonderful to read and gorgeously illustrated. You must be incredibly proud of it. I met my husband through our love of nature (he was feeding the crows). If you have a partner when you’re older will it be very important that they love and respect the natural world like you do?

What advice would you have for any kid out there who’s maybe a little different, has a unique interest or hobby and feels pressure to ‘conform’?

My advice would be more directed at adults to be honest.

Kids are passionate and comfortable when they are encouraged and supported. So instead of brushing off a kid who wants to talk about birds, cars or whatever they’re excited about, give them opportunities to learn more and feed their curiosity. This When autistic kids are will make them feel so good about Thank you so much. I am very passionate about things, we call them themselves and foster a genuine proud and your story is lovely. ‘special interests’ or ‘obsessions’ these are love of learning and a deep sense An ideal meeting, hah! I think very negative labels of belonging. To any kid out there definitely, if someone were to feeling marginalized though, keep going. share my life with me, it would I’m always willing to help young people. I get be pretty hard if they didn’t have lots of letters from young autistic people and I love an affinity with nature or a caring and compassionate to encourage them as best I can, to be themselves, no personality! matter what. The world needs more difference than it does sameness. We need people to think outside the You received the RSPB Medal for Conservation box. Many of our most famous scientists, writers and (Sir David Attenborough was once a recipient) inventors were considered ‘different’ by society but they and of course you’ve won many, many awards. kept their focus and didn’t lose sight of their goal!

You are a huge inspiration to many, but surely you must inspire many autistic individuals. Is You grew up in Fermanagh and moved to that important to you?

Castlewellan - was that difficult, changing schools etc?

Yes. I think it’s important to see autistic kids achieving their dreams and using their gifts to do good in the Yes, it was very difficult but also amazing as I love my world. When autistic kids are passionate about things, new school. Change is very difficult but sometimes it can we call them ‘special interests’ or ‘obsessions’ these are turn your life around. very negative labels and I absolutely want to overturn what people see as the stereotypical autistic person. We are all human and individuals with amazing possibilities. Are you in your final year of high school?

The attitudes towards autistic people can be absolutely I’m just heading into my final year of school. I’m in appalling, I was bullied for years for being different. the North so that’s my A-Level year, the equivalent of Society needs to drastically change. Acceptance, not Leaving Cert. tolerance, is what is needed in our world and I hope I embody that with my vision of a more caring and What’s been the highlight in your career so far? compassionate society.

What environmental issues should we most be aware of right now and what can we do to improve things?

Deforestation is a huge issue. Everyone can actually help with this by buying furniture which is accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council and not from rainforests. Just being more conscious of where are resources are coming from is crucial. Everything we buy can have a negative effect on nature and people. It’s important to become aware as consumers where are things are coming from.

Habitat loss in Ireland is a huge issue and joining forces with wildlife organisations and supporting their work is vital.

I think just having amazing opportunities to express my love and passion for nature is a highlight every day.

Winning awards is great but connecting with readers, there’s nothing like it. Publishing a book at such a young age was I think, a really brave act and I will always be proud of finishing something really big and seeing the effect it has on readers.

Wild Child is currently No.1 Bestseller on Amazon.

25

Screen Scene The Chair (Season 1) ***

The Windermere Children****

Starring: Sandra Oh, Holland Taylor Run Time: 6 x 1hr Streaming on: Netflix Available to stream from: 20 August

Starring: Romola Garai, Tim McInnerny.

Streaming on: Acorn TV Run Time: 88 mins Available to stream from: From 19 July.

In the summer of 1945, child survivors of the Holocaust arrive at the Calgarth Estate

by Lake Windermere to recuperate from their traumas. Under the care of a team of therapists, they eat, play, learn English, and begin to heal. Without their families, they find kinship in each other as they reclaim their lives. Romola Garai, Tim McInnerny, and Iain Glen star in this moving and redemptive drama.

One of the first Sandra Oh in The Chair major projects to come from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss is Netflix’s August release, The Chair. The series features an allstar cast including Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve), Primetime Emmy Award winning Holland Taylor, St. Elsewhere’s David Morse and Bob Balaban. Sandra Oh (Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim) tries a spot of comedy this time around bringing her unique screen presence to The Chair which transports viewers into the hilarious, high-pressured world of a failing university English department. Oh shines as the professor brought in to save a sinking ship.

The Windermere Children

Tabú – Gaillimh gan Dídean **** Streaming on: TG4 CatchUp Run Time: 60 mins Available to stream: 21 July.

Ireland is in the middle of a housing crisis.

Homelessness figures hover circa the 10,000 mark and Tabú – Gaillimh gan Dídean there appears to be no sign of improvement. With the population of the country growing by roughly a third in the last 30 years, we simply do not have enough dwellings in which to put everyone. While Dublin bears the brunt of this problem, rural homelessness is increasing at a disproportionate rate.

Gaillimh gan Dídean examines and observes this crisis in the city and county of tribes to explore a crisis we all see, every day, whether we choose to avert our eyes or not.

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Moone Boy ****

The Kissing Booth 3 **

Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Deirdre O’Kane, David Rawle.

Streaming: Britbox Run Time: 54 x 22 mins Available to stream from: 10 August.

Starring: Joey King, Joel Courtney.

Streaming: Netflix Run Time: 90 mins Available to stream: From 11 August.

Martin Moone is eleven and completely fed up with being the only boy in a family of girls. He’s desperate for a decent wingman to help him navigate his idiotic life. So when best mate Padraic suggests Martin get an imaginary friend - or ‘IF’ for short - he decides to give it a go, with hilarious results! Many will recall this brilliant sitcom originally ran from 2012-2015 on Sky1.

The final entry in the teen rom-com series that stars Joey King, Jacob Elordi and Joel Courtney arrives on 11 August. The Kissing Booth franchise, based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Beth Reekles is predicatable and a tad cheesy but if you found the previous two films light-hearted and something to wind down to of an evening, you’ll enjoy this third installment. Yes, the storyline and themes are clichéd but so what - not everything has to be Shakespeare and it’s something you can enjoy with the family.

David Rawle in Moone Boy

Rotten ***

Director:Ted Braun Streaming: Netflix Run Time: 12 x 60 mins.

Available to stream from: Currently

The Kissing Booth crew

Rotten

The documenary Rotten explores the rotten and delicious side of food production. In the first season, you can find explorations of garlic, honey, milk, and more. Season 2 tackles a new set of topics, including avocados and sugar. You’ll feel disgusted at times and most likely you’ll not ever look at the foods you eat the same ever again, but it’s definitely worth a watch.

’re b now Ireland e u s s I g ter @Bi on Twit

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right

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Issues: Historical

The Assassination of Kevin O’Higgins

N

inety-four years ago Kevin O’Higgins who was Minister for Justice was assassinated by three anti-Treaty members of the IRA on his way to Sunday Mass at the Church of the Assumption in Booterstown aged just 35. Sineád Dunlop reports:

“….a great man in his pride confronting murderous men.” (William Butler Yeats) Kevin O’Higgins (born 7 June 1892) was an influential member of Cumann na nGaedheal and in his capacity as Minister for Justice created the Garda Síochána. After his role in the AngloIrish War he went on to defend the emerging Irish Free State as part of the pro-Treaty side of the Irish Civil War. During this time he signed the execution papers of 77 political prisoners

in the Dáil, Kevin outlined the reasons for his support, “Last October the Minister of Local Government W.T.

Cosgrave and myself came deliberately to the decision that we would not recommend any settlement involving allegiance to the King of England.

That is true, but I am not ashamed to plead guilty to the fact that I consider political realities and the consequence of my vote... I would have gone back to war rather Background than recommend a settlement involving O’Higgins, who was allegiance if the Treaty born in Stradbally, had not been signed.

Co. Laois, one of 16 But I face the political children he joined the situation and realise Irish Volunteers in that some of the 1915. As a methodical, biggest personalities in opinionated man he our movement ... have was soon appointed considered this is the captain of the last ounce [that] could Stradbally company, Carlow brigade. He joined Sinn be got from England, and who, knowing Féin but was just as quickly arrested and sent the situation better than I do, to jail (1918). In prison he became He was sure that sustained attached their names to the MP for Queen’s County, Laois. friction would motivate the Brits to reassert that document.”

In 1919 the First Dáil appointed control in the Free State. its Ministry. O’Higgins became Fearing the British the Assistant Minister for Local would Reassert Control Government under W.T. Cosgrave. The following year, when Cosgrave was arrested, Kevin When the Irish Civil War began in June of 1922 became head of the department. Like other writers on O’Higgins tried his best to restore lawfulness by Sinn Féin at that time, O’Higgins was of the mindset establishing tough measures. He was terrified how things that extremists were self-deluded; Sinn Féin split over the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and in the debate 28

looked to the world at large. He was sure that sustained friction would motivate the Brits to reassert control in the Free State. He ordered the execution of four Republicans leaders on December 8, 1922, in response to the IRA shooting of two deputies heading for the Dáil the previous day.

Ironically, O’Higgins was one of the last members of the cabinet to agree to the execution. The then government was essentially warning the Republicans that it would execute twice as many Republican prisoners in retaliation for the death of any Dáil deputy.

O’Higgins became a particular hate figure, because Rory O’Connor, one of those executed, had been best man at O’Higgins’ wedding the previous year.

the memory of the executions, and the sight of him just walking along on his own. We started shooting from the car, then getting out of the car we continued to shoot.

We all shot at him, he didn’t have a chance’.

Alerted by the public a Garda Sergeant Sweeney of Blackrock went to the aid of O’Higgins after the shooting, “I knelt beside Mr. O’Higgins and asked if he could make a statement,” Sweeney recalled.

O’Higgins replied: “I was walking along Cross Avenue. Three men were waiting for me at the corner. They fired at me. One of them followed me and shot me. They were young men about 20 or 25 years; dark complexion, medium build.”

The Assassination

On Sunday 10 July 1927, Kevin O’Higgins was assassinated, while on his Sweeney then said: way to Sunday Mass. A “I asked him if he would weekly mass goer, O’Higgins know them again, or did was usually accompanied by he know them, and he his wife that week however replied not. He then told a Detective O’Grady escorted him. When the two men me he was dying.” Thus, there would be no possibility were ‘between their house and Booterstown avenue’, of identifying them later. “I forgive my murderers,” O’Higgins sent the detective back to collect O’Higgins emphasised. He was something that he had forgotten. brought back to his home, It was later believed that the where he remained ….he did not know his killers.

Garda escort was in fact sent to conscious for almost five Blackrock to buy cigarettes. hours before he passed As O’Higgins walked from his away. He told his wife that he home Dunamase House on Cross Avenue to the Church forgave his attackers.“You must have no bitterness in of the Assumption he approached the junction of your heart for them,” he stressed.

Booterstown and Cross Avenue, a man stepped out of a parked motor car and fired at point-blank range.

Why O’Higgins was Singled Out O’Higgins staggered, turned and began to run, followed by the man firing. Collapsing on the other side of the O’Higgins became a distinct figure of hate after he road, two men came from the rear of the car and fired ordered the execution of four Republicans leaders down at O’Higgins as he lay on the ground. The men -including the best man at his wedding Rory O’Connorthen leaped into the car and drove off. on December 8, 1922.

The three anti-Treaty IRA men who killed him – Archie On the day of their executions, he justified them as a Doyle, Bill Gannon and Tim Coughlan – apparently saw deterrent, him by chance. Gannon later recalled: ‘seeing him … we were just taken over and incensed “It was done coldly,” O’Higgins stated at the Dáil that with hatered. You can have no idea what it was like, with afternoon.

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“It was done deliberately.” He went on to say that it was done without personal spite, or vindictiveness, as it was the only way that “representative government or democratic institutions” could be maintained.

“One of these men was a friend of mine,” he added. At that moment, he started to cry, and collapsed, sobbing and unable to continue.

the files. It was nearly 60 years later before they were named publicly and by then they were dead anyway. A journalist by the name of Brian Looney named them in the Irish Press back in October 1985 after a discussion with former IRA Chief of Staff, Harry White. The three gunmen were Bill Gannon, Archie Doyle and Tim Coughlan. They O’Higgins centre, with Éamon de Valera (left) were on their way to a football match when and best man Rory O’Connor (right). they exploited the opportunity to shoot O’Higgins

Nobody was ever convicted for Higgins assassination. The security files, which were released in 1997, showed that who was strolling alone.

Charles Haughey Looney went on to say took great interest in that, the case as Minister for Justice in 1963.

“Bill Gannon told me The then Secretary that he and Archie of the Department Doyle were two of the of Justice Peter Berry, assassins, and he asked told Haughey that that I set the historical “the police were pretty record straight after his well satisfied that one death,” White said. “By of the murderers was naming them at this Mick Price,” the IRA’s stage,” White added, director of intelligence.

“I’m finishing a chapter Seán Russell, Ernie of Irish history.”

O’Malley, and Seán MacBride were the Looney stated that chief suspects. MacBride was arrested and charged with White had no scruples about O’Higgins’ murder, conspiracy to murder but was able to provide an alibi.

“As minister for justice, he Éamon de Valera and Frank ordered the murder of his “One of these men was a friend of Aiken were under suspicion former friends, Rory mine,” he added. At that moment, he too. As O’Higgins took his O’Connor, Liam started to cry, and collapsed, sobbing last breaths he referred to Mellows, Dick Barrett and unable to continue. de Valera, and Joe McKelvey in Mountjoy Jail,” White “Tell my colleagues, they must said. “That’s why he was beware of him in public life he will play killed.” down to the weakness of the people.”

Following his death there were no mass reprisals from the O’Higgins had received a warning from a prominant governemt side and the democracy to which O ‘Higgins senator to be careful as it was believed an attack would devoted his life continued to flourish. be made on his life by Fianna Fáil people.

Berry had warned Haughey never to publish the official In July 1987 Una O’Higgins-O’Malley daughter of records of the murder as “it would be dangerous” due Kevin O’Higgins, asked that the 60th anniversary Mass to the amount of innuendo, conjecture and conclusions at the Church of the Assumption in Booterstown be based on hearsay. commemorated for her father and his three assassins, Obviously, if any of those people had been directly involved in his shooting, O’Higgins would have recognised their faces. Instead, he did not know his killers, and they were not named among the suspects in

“It would have been his wish that their names should be included in the Mass,” she proclaimed.

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s e k Jo A woman went to the mall to buy Valentine’s Day cards for her son and father.

The 50 feet of displays for hundreds of cards astounded her.

She muttered out loud, “I wonder if they have anything for ex-husbands.”

The clerk behind the counter said, “Oh, yes m’am, they do, but they’re in the Sports Department.”

“Really?” exclaimed the woman.

“Yes m’am. They’re called darts.”

A serious drunk walked into a bar and, after staring for some time at the only woman seated at the bar, walked over to her and kissed her.

She jumped up and slapped him silly. He immediately apologised and explained, “I’m sorry. I thought you were my wife. You look exactly like her.”

“Why you worthless, insufferable, wretched, no good drunk!” she screamed.

“Funny,” he muttered, “you even sound exactly like her.”

I went to the store the other day.

I was only in there for about five minutes, and when I came out there was a motorcycle cop writing a parking ticket. So I went up to him and said, ‘Come on buddy, how about giving a guy a break?’

He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. So I called him a stupid idiot. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having bald tyres!

Then I really got angry at him. He finished the second ticket and put it on the car with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket!

This went on for about 20 minutes.

Because laughter is the best medicine!

The more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote. I didn’t care. My car was parked around the corner.

A professor at Auburn University is giving a seminar on the supernatural.

Getting a feel for his students, he asks “How many of you believe in ghosts?” About 80 of his students raise their hands.

“That’s a good start I suppose. Those of you who believe in ghosts, how many have actually seen a ghost?”

About 30 students raise their hands.

“That’s good. I’m really glad you’re taking this seriously. Ok, has anyone here ever talked to a ghost?” About a dozen students raise their hands.

“That’s a great response. Has anyone ever touched a ghost?” Two students raise their hands. “That’s fantastic.

But let me ask you one last question... have any of you ever made love to a ghost?”

One student in the back raises his hand. The professor is astonished. He removes his glasses, takes a step back, and says, “Son, in all the years I’ve been giving this lecture, no one has ever actually claimed to have slept with a ghost. Why don’t you come up here and tell us about it.”

The redneck student replies with a nod and a grin, and begins to make his way up to the podium. The professor says, “Well, tell us what it’s like to have sex with a ghost.”

The student replies, “Ghost? Oh... I thought you said ‘goats’!”

An old farmer had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back forty, had it fixed up nice; picnic tables, horseshoe courts, basketball court, etc. The pond was fixed for swimming when it was built.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn’t 31

been there for a while, and look it over. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer he saw it was a bunch of young women skinnydipping in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond. One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!” The old man replied, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond, I only came to feed my alligators.” Old age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill every time!

A local teacher asks her students if they are all Kilkenny fans. All of the hands go up except for one student.

‘Okay, Bobby, What team are you a fan of ?

‘Tipperary’ ‘Why’s that?’

‘Well, my parents are both Tipperary fans, so I’m a Tipperary fan too’ ‘That’s not a good answer, Bobby.

If your parents were both morons, would you be a moron too?’

‘No, that would make me a Kilkenny fan!’

“I said to the gym teacher: ‘Can you teach me to do the splits?’ He said: ‘How flexible are you?’ I said: ‘I can’t make Tuesdays.’”

Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks. They charged one - and let the other off.

Issues: New Book Releases

Patricia Scanlan’s Book Club Patricia Scanlan was born in Dublin, where she still lives. She is a #1 bestselling author and has sold millions of books worldwide. Her books are translated in many languages.

Patricia is the series editor and a contributing author to the award winning Open Door Literacy series.

This issue, Patricia brings her favourite books of the moment.

The 32 – Paul McVeigh (Unbound) A celebration of working-class voices from the island of Ireland. This intimate and illuminating collection, edited by Paul McVeigh features memoir and essays from established and emerging Irish voices including Kevin Barry, Dermot Bolger, Roddy Doyle, Lisa McInerney, Lyra McKee, Martin Doyle, and many more.

Exceptional writing from outstanding writers.

The Perfect Lie - Jo Spain (Quercus)

He jumped to his death in front of witnesses. Now his wife is charged with murder….

Jo Spain delivers another gripping page-turner that keeps you hooked to the very end.

The Moon Over Kilmore Quay Carmel Harrington (Harper Collins)

When your heart belongs in two places, can you ever truly find home?

An evocative, heartwarming read that twists and turns, and tugs at the heart.

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Red Wolves – Adam Hamdy (Pan MacMillan)

A daring escape from a Cairo prison. An assassin who kills with a single touch. A vicious drug war on the streets of America.

A rip-roaring, gritty thriller that grabs you from the start. Hamdy’s new novel will be devoured by his legions of fans.

Diving for Pearls - Jamie O’Connell (Doubleday)

A young woman’s body floats in the Dubai marina. Her death alters the fates of six people, each one striving for a better life in an unforgiving city.

O’Connell explores the dark underbelly of life in a grim and seedy place, beneath the shallow veneer of celebrity glitz and glamour. Utterly authentic.

Still Life - Sarah Winman (Fourth Estate)

Moving from the Tuscan Hills and piazzas of Florence, to the smog of London’s East End, Still Life is a sweeping, joyful novel about beauty, love, family and fate.

Highly deserving of all the acclaim this beautiful novel has received it’s a delightful, immersive read.

The Fixer – Claudia Carroll (Zaffre)

She’s so busy sorting everyone else’s lives, she doesn’t notice hers is about to fall apart.

Another perceptive, hilarious and poignant novel from one of Ireland’s bestselling, much loved authors.

Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature – Dara McNulty (Pan MacMillan) Join brilliant young naturalist Dara McAnulty – winner of the 2020 Wainwright Prize for his book Diary of a Young Naturalist – on a nature walk and experience the joy of connecting with the natural world on your multi sensory journey.

Although this enlightening exploration of local habitats, identifying animals and plants, or starting projects such as making a bird feeder or terrarium, is written for children, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom for all the family.

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Issues: Current

The Truth is Out There W

hy the current UFO craze may be a problem of intelligence failings. Kyle Cunliffe reports.

It’s safe to say that UFOs, now branded UAPs, are back.

In recent years, concerns have grown that supposed physics-defying craft are penetrating US airspace. This could represent a technological breakthrough by foreign competitors or something else entirely. But many people will no doubt have found the recent release of the Pentagon’s highly anticipated UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) report to be underwhelming.

Its results are inconclusive, despite the fact that it is the alleged weight of the data that led Congress to request the report in the first place. This raises serious questions as to how the intelligence process became so muddied, and why UFOs have rocketed up Washington’s agenda.

example – was actually witnessed. Sceptics argue that factors such as misreporting, technical and human error, or optical illusions, can explain much of what is happening in the skies.

Nimitz encounter This is personified in the 2004 Nimitz encounter where two pilots spotted a white object shaped like a “Tic Tac”. The erratic craft reportedly responded to the pilots’ movements, before disappearing in a blink of an eye. It reappeared sometime later, where a third pilot recorded footage that would eventually make its way to the New York Times in 2017.

The encounter was allegedly investigated by the Pentagon’s AATIP (Advanced Aerospace Threat Indentification Program) which has since been renamed the UAP Task Force – the body now responsible for the UAP report. And it gained traction thanks to the openness of one of its star witnesses, pilot Commander David Fravor, who told ABC News that the Tic Tac seemed “not from this world.”

While it puts many hypotheses forward, the report concedes that analysts cannot explain at least 143 out of 144 reported sightings. The problem, as they acknowledge, is that they lack the data to draw firm conclusions. The issue is not simply about whether the The case, however, seems riddled In practically every UAP incident extraordinary things with issues of reporting and reported, nobody can agree whether that have been human testimony. Fravor has something extraordinary – a physicsreported belong to dismissed claims by other crew bending craft, for example – was Russia, China or the from the Nimitz carrier group, actually witnessed.

Klingons, but more including allegations that mysterious about whether anything officials requisitioned crucial data. And extraordinary is even happening at all. the other pilot at the time of the first encounter, Alex To an extent, this is unsurprising. In practically every UAP incident reported, nobody can agree whether something extraordinary – a physics-bending craft, for

Dietrich, claimed that her visual on the Tic Tac lasted around ten seconds – a stark comparison to Fravor’s claim of five minutes.

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The point is that memory and misperception affect even the best-trained pilots. Notable sceptic, Mike West, argues that optical illusions can explain away much of the pilot and video testimony, and the report itself concedes that “observer misperception” cannot be ruled out in some sightings.

The Nimitz case, as with other UAP incidents, was supported by radar and sensor data – but this is yet to be revealed to the public.

And it bears consideration that even the most expensive technical systems are not infallible. As the report acknowledges, cases where UAP’s exhibited “unusual flight characteristics” may also be the result of sensor errors or “spoofing” – a known technical countermeasure that tricks radar systems into displaying inaccurate information.

led by refined intelligence assessments, not the personal hunches of analysts and officials whose opinions are shaped by mediocre data.

Bomber gap Indeed, current events are not dissimilar to the cold war’s “bomber gap”, when Air Force analysts vastly inflated Soviet nuclear bomber estimates to secure greater Congressional funding. As a result of Elizondo and Mellon’s efforts, UAPs are now on the agenda, whether they exist or not. Even the report calls for “analytical, collection, and resource investment”.

But as Congress demands further investigation, it should also demand greater accountability. Authenticated (albeit mundane) military footage of UAPs continues to be leaked to UFO film makers. These ongoing efforts by military insiders to influence policy, without proper context or analysis, reflect a worrying breakdown of the intelligence cycle.

Need to know These challenges filter down to analysts, who face an overwhelming task. In fact, UAP analysts are relying on intelligence collection systems to answer what is essentially a scientific problem. As the report notes, US military sensors are “designed to fulfill a specific mission”, and are not “generally suited for identifying UAP”.

Finally, there’s the issue of politicisation. AATIP was originally established by the former Senate majority leader Harry Reid under advice from his close friend Bigelow. Reid’s enthusiasm for UFOs is well documented, but it suggests that the process was muddied from the start. If the It’s more likely that understanding the UAP Task Force is expanded, problem will require a myriad of a healthy distance UAP analysts are relying on technical instruments supported by will need to be intelligence collection systems scientific collaboration and peer maintained between to answer what is essentially a review, which runs to the contrary policymakers and the scientific problem... of intelligence’s “need to know”. If people who draw up there are any extraordinary answers to be their assessments. had, they are more likely to come from the recent As it stands, the UAP issue seems like a microcosm involvement of Nasa, than the closed-door world of the of everything that can go wrong with intelligence. If UAP task force. the UAP report suggests anything, it’s that pilots are What’s more, faced with limited data, analysts are struggling to make sense of increasingly noisy skies, that vulnerable to their own cognitive biases. AATIP was military sensors cannot always be relied upon, and that originally contracted to a company whose founder, the Pentagon’s analysts are out of their depth.

Robert Bigelow, is well known for his paranormal It also shows that unless the Department of Defense enthusiasm. And AATIP’s former director, Luis Elizondo, obtains clear evidence of an undeniable craft operating continues to push the narrative that UAPs are real craft in undeniably extraordinary ways, Congress, and the and possibly of non-human origin. public, should remain sceptical of UAP proponents.

And then there’s the issue of inflation. The official, Kyle Cunliffe is a lecturer in arts and media at the Christopher Mellon, who first set events in motion University of Salford. by leaking the 2017 footage to the New York Times, admits that he and Elizondo wanted to put UAPs on the “national security agenda”. Policymakers should be Courtesy of The Conversation / INSP.ngo

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WATERFORD SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND RAPE

RAPE & SEXUAL ABUSE CENTRE

Counselling/Support for all who have been Raped or sexually absed.

Freephone 1800 296 296 Outreach to Dungarvan on Thursdays.

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Issues: Social

An Increase in Domestic Violence Since Covid-19

W

ith a 40% increase in women contacting Women’s Aid, largely in part due to Covid-19 lockdowns & restrictions and being with one’s abuser for longer periods, we have to ask, what can be done to see this figure go down and how do we help those most at risk? Samantha McMurdock reports.

The number of Stockholm Syndrome sets in where one people contacting believes their abuser is actually their Women’s Aid saviour and become startlingly loyal to increased by 40% them meaning seeking help is the last last year, compared thing on their mind. with 2019, with women reaching Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, out to the domestic Women’s Aid’s CEO Sarah Benson said violence support the helpline team at her organisation organisation for reported a particularly acute year of help. Women’s distress for women in 2021, with many Aid have stated reporting a ‘suffocating’ feeling due to the that there’s been a public health restrictions in place. spike in emotional, economic, physical Domestic violence and abuse is alland sexual abuse consuming at the best of times, so - intensified during lockdowns, describing one’s living

by Covid-19 conditions as suffocating, is by no means restrictions. Ireland hyperbole. is not alone elsewhere, when How do we help those we care about? a country enters Sadly, many women find it very difficult lockdown, there has been an increase in domestic abuse, to talk about what they’re living through - after all, when not to mention, delayed reports. they’ve been brainwashed within the echoIreland chamber environment that it’s their is not alone elsewhere, when Covid-19 and its fault, seeking help would never a country enters lockdown, there has associated restrictions enter their mind. been an increase in domestic abuse, not to are making leaving mention, delayed reports. and reporting abusive This list is by no means exhaustive, relationships much more difficult, from ‘phoning the police, to touching base with a support mechanism to actually leaving the home or having the abuser leave. This is not to say that the perpetrators used the pandemic to entrap their victims - they were doing that before lockdown, however, restrictions/lockdowns have been used by domestic abusers to intensify or hide violence, intimidation and control.

but if someone you know has isolated themselves from family & friends, cancels at the last minute, receives an inordinate amount of ‘phone calls/texts when they’re in your company, has no access to cash/bank card, appears agitated/anxious, apologises excessively, has bruises and/or wears clothing that covers their whole body, even in very hot weather, please tell them help is available and don’t give up on encouraging them - even if they refuse assistance.

It’s very difficult to walk away from domestic violence.

Abusers are incredibly proficient in exploiting perceived weaknesses and in many cases, because they break your spirit but are then the ones to build you back up - if only for minutes (“…you aren’t the smartest/most attractive/ easiest to live with…but I love you) then a state of

Women’s Aid contact: ROI: 1800 341 900 (Freephone 24/7).

N.I. 028 90 249041

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Word Power Over the next few issues we’ll be attempting to increase your word power. Have a look at the words below and afterwards see if you know their meaning.

Word

Pronunciation

1. Algorithm 2. Austere 3. Brevity 4. Providence 5. Lacklustre 6. Partisan 7. Cronyism 8. Vitiate 9. Pusillanimous 10.Panacea 11. Pique 12. Egregious

Al-gor-ith-im Aww-steer Brev-it-tee Prov-idd-ince Lak-lust-er Part-is-an Kron-e-is-im Fish-i-ate Pu-sil-an-im-us Pan-a-see-ah Peek Egg-ree-jus

Answers 1. A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problemsolving operations, especially by a computer.

2. Severe or strict in manner or attitude.

3. Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.

4. An influence that is not human in origin and is thought to control people’s lives.

5. Lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring..

6. A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person..

7. The appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications.

8. Spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of.

9. Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.

10. A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.

11. Arouse (interest or curiosity)..

12. Outstandingly bad; shocking..

on w o n k s u ? Let o d u o y How did eland r I e u s s I @Big r e t t i w T 38

How did YOU score?

10 or more – Perfection!6-9 Brilliant.

3-5 Well done.

0-2 Must do better.

D is c o u n

t Corne

r

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