I came across the notion of ‘casuistry’ this week for the first time. It was in an excellent podcast by Malcolm Gladwell who started off the discussion by firstly looking at a case of a famous baseball player in the United States who was fond to have used prohibited substances to continue his career. Without… Continue reading Casuistry-descending into the particulars
Trying to Articulate How I Feel About Donald Trump
I’ve put off writing this blog post for a long time. My fear is that I will not be able to articulate, with sufficient accuracy and power, my low opinion of Donald Trump. But I must try now because if writing and communicating is about anything it must include being able to deal with the… Continue reading Trying to Articulate How I Feel About Donald Trump
Chipping Away at the Rule of Law-When the Stream Becomes a River
The threat of lawlessness that is featuring in the news now with renewed threats on executives working in the former Sean Quinn group of companies along the border is, finally, being taken seriously. About time, too. The Taoiseach, the Government, an Garda Siochana, the PSNI appear to be stepping up their efforts to bring to… Continue reading Chipping Away at the Rule of Law-When the Stream Becomes a River
How Email Has Become a Problem in My Business
Email has played a central role in the development of my business as a solicitor. But it has now become a real problem, a problem I must deal with on a daily basis; and I mean all 7 days in the week. Maybe you are experiencing the same stress and demands being placed on you… Continue reading How Email Has Become a Problem in My Business
Why Should You Write Often?
Why should you write often? Perhaps as much as every day? Let’s take a look at the reasons why I write frequently-although I feel a sense of guilt about not writing even more often-and why I believe I should be writing every day. Perhaps thinking this through for myself will give you some food for… Continue reading Why Should You Write Often?
Does writing every day help you improve your writing?
The predictable advice to anyone seeking to improve their writing is to read and write with regularity. Reading is easy to do but writing every day, which is the recommendation to hone your craft, is much more difficult. There are two problems with this approach, I believe: having subject matter to write about each day… Continue reading Does writing every day help you improve your writing?
Sourdough and a Short Séamus Heaney Film
I made my first 100% rye sourdough loaf yesterday, and it turned out pretty well. The recipe is from a YouTube video I saw by Patrick Ryan of Firehouse Bakery. It was the stickiest, messiest dough I have ever worked with, however. Next time I will need to be psychologically prepared and suitably worked up… Continue reading Sourdough and a Short Séamus Heaney Film
Winning Arguments-the Principles and Tools of Rhetoric
I am reading a book ( Winning Arguments: From Aristotle to Obama – Everything You Need to Know About the Art of Persuasion) at the moment about winning arguments and the use of rhetorical tools and principles. I am writing this blog post to help me understand the book better because I firmly believe writing… Continue reading Winning Arguments-the Principles and Tools of Rhetoric
Aleppo to Ballinamore-Would You Accept the ‘Inadequate Services’?
I find it a little bit nauseating to hear people talking about their ‘concern for the asylum seekers’ as a reason for their committed opposition to housing them in their community. It has always struck me as odd that the people expressing concern have never exhibited strong feelings in that connection in the past. The… Continue reading Aleppo to Ballinamore-Would You Accept the ‘Inadequate Services’?
Making Personal Connections With Your Market
I’m no longer surprised when someone who has come into me for a consultation casually asks how the baking is going, or if I am still feeding the birds. Let me explain. As part of my marketing efforts I make extensive use of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube etc. From time to… Continue reading Making Personal Connections With Your Market