The Duck Who Loved Cash
Twenty years ago today, I was walking up State Street in Chicago when I spotted a duck robbing an unsuspecting woman on the street. I was horrified and, of course, immediately took a photo of such a strange incident. Turns out, it was some sort of advertising photoshoot for Western Union, but the original photo…
Cork City Walks Past Fashion Giants
Advertising goes unnoticed as people hurry past on Opera Lane, Cork. Did you know the rugby shirt, with its bold stripes, was first popularised in the 19th century?
A Quiet Walk on Cape Clear
Two people walking along the road by the south harbour on a pleasant, warm day in 2013. I haven’t been back there in a long time, but hopefully, I’ll make a return this summer.
Scottish Skyline: From Spires to Bridges
A beautiful sunset pictured from our apartment in Edinburgh a few weeks ago. The weather was glorious that week! It hardly rained at all! Did you know that the Forth Bridge, visible just left of centre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the world’s longest cantilever railway bridge when it opened in 1890?…
The Sandal Seller of Athens
Off Monastiraki Square, Athens, along a narrow street filled with small shops, I found a man leaning on the door of his shoe shop.
A Tartan Souvenir Moment
A woman inspects a set of playable junior bagpipes that her husband bought in a nearby tourist store near Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. She smiles, but I’m not sure if she’s happy. 😉 Did you know, the bagpipes, often considered Scotland’s national instrument, actually have ancient origins that trace back to the Middle East before finding…
A Musical Afternoon in the Library
Joey Neville entertained a small audience in Cork City Library this afternoon with a selection of his own compositions, and other tunes. He was later joined by Eileen Healy on violin.
A Burst of Yellow in Edinburgh Traffic
A yellow bus following a yellow Tesla taxi caught my eye on the streets of Edinburgh recently. Most of the Teslas I saw there were white! A bold move by the taxi driver. I wonder if they have the “I bought it before Elon went crazy” bumper sticker on the back. I presume not. Elon…
A Selfie with Deacon Brodie
What! You’re looking at your phone! I imagine Deacon Brodie would be amazed at technology today. Apparently he was a “respected cabinetmaker by day and a burglar by night, making him one of Edinburgh’s most notorious historical figures”
Edinburgh’s Public Square of Conscience
Several years ago, I came across Anonymous for the Voiceless in Cork, and I’ve seen them demonstrate a few times since. I saw them in Edinburgh last week when they had a small demonstration, surrounded by young people. “Anonymous for the Voiceless (AV) is an animal rights organisation specialising in edifying the public on the…
Through the Window: Edinburgh Reflections
A single, solitary table inside an empty office. A glass jar sits on the table, waiting for the next business to come and rent the room. Maybe a parting gift from the previous occupant?