Bás Matthew Perry!

Death of Matthew Perry!

by | 2024/08/27 | Current Affairs, International News

Death of Matthew Perry!

 

From time to time, our attention is drawn to some tragedy involving drug or alcohol addiction. Recently, an investigation into the death of the famous actor Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing in the sitcom 'Friends' which aired from 1994-2004) came to an end. Perry released a memoir a year before his death, called 'Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing' which contained harrowing details of his struggle to overcome addiction. At the time, he said he had been drug-free for the past year and a half. Less than a year later, he was dead. At first, the coroner said his drowning in his hot tub was an accident, the result of a combination of drugs he had taken and heart disease. But a new inquiry was opened in May, 2024 to find out why there was so much of the drug ketamine (Ketamine in English) in his blood. Perry had been using ketamine infusion therapy for intensive treatment of depression and anxiety, but his last session was more than a week before his death.

The Doctor and the Ketamine Queen

Perry’s blood contained the same amount of ketamine as would be used in a general anaesthetic. Where did it come from? It was reported in the Los Angeles Times in June that investigators employed by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Service successfully linked certain individuals to the supply of ketamine. It was an incredible story, and five people were charged in relation to Perry's death. When Perry asked his regular doctor to prescribe him more ketamine, he refused. Then Perry found another doctor who wouldn't have a problem with that- Doctor Salvador Plasencia. Prosecutors allege that Plasencia used Perry's desperation and addiction to get money. Another doctor, Dr. Mark Chavez, was helping Plasencia, and illegally getting him ketamine. They had no scruples, and Plasencia sent a text to Chavez, saying: "I wonder how much this moron will pay." There is no doubt that Plasencia and Chavez believed that Perry was a money bags. And they were right, about the money anyway. Perry paid $55,000 in cash for a dozen vials of ketamine in the last month of his life. But a vial of ketamine usually only costs $20! What kind of doctor sells drugs at an outrageous price to a patient with an addiction problem? What kind of doctor takes advantage of his own patient's disease? What kind of doctor is so selfish that he would kill his own patient? That person, in my opinion, is not a doctor, but a drug dealer who only cares about money.

Another criminal network was also at work, supplying Perry with drugs. A drug dealer and ketamine distributor named Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Queen of Ketamine', was supplying Perry with ketamine through another drug dealer, Erik Fleming. Perry knew Fleming because before he became a drug dealer, Fleming was a film director in Hollywood. Fleming gave 50 vials of ketamine to Perry's personal assistant, a man named Kenneth Iwamasa. Iwamasa gave Perry ketamine injections every day – he gave him 27 injections in the five days leading up to Perry's death, and 3 injections on the day of his death. Iwamasa was not qualified to give Perry ketamine injections, but Placensia showed him how to do it. The five (Plasencia, Chavez, Sangha, Fleming and Iwamasa) were charged with various crimes related to the distribution of ketamine and Perry's death. Plasencia and Sangha pleaded not guilty, but Chavez, Fleming and Iwamasa pleaded guilty.

The five (Plasencia, Chavez, Sangha, Fleming and Iwamasa) were charged with various crimes related to the distribution of ketamine and Perry's death. Plasencia and Sangha pleaded not guilty, but Chavez, Fleming and Iwamasa pleaded guilty.

Sentences?

What is the fate of the five, in terms of sentences? In the case of those who pleaded guilty, Chavez could face up to 10 years in prison, Iwamasa up to 15 years and Fleming up to 25 years. In the case of Sangha and Plasencia, if convicted of all charges against them, it is more than likely that both of them will spend their lives in prison.

Conclusion

Ketamine is an addictive drug, used as an anesthetic and as a therapy for depression. It is a controlled substance and an illegal drug. Perry first got it as therapy, but then became addicted to ketamine. It was a terrible choice to give an addict an addictive drug like this, and Perry was known to the world to be an addict. Worse than that, instead of helping him, his doctor, friend and personal assistant took advantage of his illness, and eventually killed him. I hope that all five of those criminals spend a long time in prison for their heinous crimes. Maybe that will send a clear message to other criminals thinking of doing something like that.

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Seoid Chríonnachta!

Pearls of Wisdom!

by | 2024/08/21 | Current Affairs, Personal, Opinion

Pearls of Wisdom!

 

"This is what they call summer, God between us and evil!"

I turned and who was there but Séimí an Droichid, and the poor creature looked like a drowned rat. Fortunately, I had an open golf umbrella with plenty of room for two people under it.

"Come join me under my umbrella!" I said, because I felt sorry for him.

"That's an offer I can't refuse, and I'm very grateful!" Séimí answered and he already safe, sheltered from a heavy shower.

“Well, let's head to Meubles for lunch, then! I will stand this!” We were outside Woodies and heading in that direction, anyway.

"Beggars can’t be choosers, so to speak!" said Séimí. “Ahead we go!”

When we were sitting by the window, eating soup and brown bread, I asked Séimí the question that had been bothering me recently.

"Séimí, I think we are in an uneasy time at the moment. Although diplomacy is the best way to ensure that there will be peace, there is a lack of it all over the world. But the increase in immigration is having the biggest impact on the western world. Once upon a time, the stresses of immigration were only visible in America. We didn't really understand what was going on there until the same thing happened here too, and we learned the complexities of immigration pretty quickly then. But now, things have taken a turn for the worse in Ireland and the violence is getting worse. Riots broke out in Dublin last year, following online rumors of an attack on children in the city centre. And there have been riots in England recently too. People across Britain were shocked when three girls aged between 6 and 9 were killed in a knife attack on July 29 in Southport, a seaside town north of Liverpool. False rumors quickly spread on social media that the suspect was an asylum seeker, or a Muslim immigrant. The anti-immigrant riots started in Southport, and then other riots broke out across England, from Plymouth on the south coast to Sunderland in the North East. Riots also occurred in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Séimí, where the hell are we going?" I was out of breath, and I was also starving. Séimí was already eating and I quickly imitated him.

“Mickaleen, my faithful friend, what about the niceties of social relations? I'm quite well, thank you, and I hope everything is fine with you, too?” He smiled roguishly, and I realized instantly that I had been rude to Séimí.

"Excuse me, Séimí, for my verbosity - I wasn't thinking at all. And we are fine too, and as busy now as we were before we quit our jobs. I was looking for relief, maybe, or reassurance from you that things will work out in this country and around the world and that's why I started blathering."

"Michael, I understand what you are saying, and that you are worried that things are in turmoil around the world, including in our own country. Too much bad news affects us all negatively. Times like this remind me of an old English proverb, which goes like this: 'Have the calmness to accept things I cannot change, have the courage to make changes when possible, and understand the difference between them.' We have an opportunity as a country to take a strict stance in relation to countries and people committing atrocities. We can express our views to our TDs (representatives). We also have the opportunity to express our discontent on the street, as demonstrations are often organized to pressure the government to address important issues. And we as citizens have a duty to use our votes wisely, and to give our support to people and parties that do not have hatred as an integral part of their political vision. Michael, people worry especially when terrible things are happening that they have no control over. But you can get things done most of the time. Although they are often small things, they make a positive impact in the right direction. My advice to all citizens is another old saying - 'actions speak louder than words'. One small action is stronger than a thousand words. I don't know if that would give you any relief or reassurance, but that's my approach to things like that!” With that, Séimí finished eating and nodded his head wisely. I myself had finished my meal and was drinking in every word that my faithful friend had to say.

“Séimí, you did it again! You are right. The 'Stand up to Racism' group held more than 50 rallies in Great Britain and the North. Around 15,000 gathered in Belfast, chanting the words: 'when migrants are under attack, what do we do? Let's stand up!' There are also frequent anti-racism rallies in Ireland, and there was a big one in Dublin last year. Our conversation reminds me of a few other old sayings of Teddy Roosevelt’s: 'In the hour of destiny, the best thing to do is the right thing, and the worst thing to do is nothing' and ‘Do what you can with what you have, where you are.'

“Well, we're of like minds then. And you tied everything together with the statements of President Teddy Roosevelt. He was a pillar of support for the disadvantaged during the Great Depression in the United States. Great advice from him, no doubt! Well, it's not raining anymore – I'm going to meet another friend at 'Costa' now. Nice to meet you, and I'll definitely see you again after a while."

"I'll be looking forward to it!" I said, but Séimí was already halfway down the stairs.

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Cuairt ar Bhaile Átha Cliath!

A visit to Dublin!

by | 2024/08/14 | Personal

A visit to Dublin!

I haven't spent much time in Dublin for many years. My wife spent more time there - she is originally from Dublin - visiting her relatives who live there. I myself lived in Dublin for more than twenty years altogether. That's where I met my wife for the first time. That's where I attended University. That's where I first started working, after getting a job at Córas Impar Éireann (CIE). I grew up and did my thing in Dublin. In short, that's where I spent my youth – sometimes unwisely. BAC is definitely an important part of my history. Therefore, it was about time I spent a few days in this ancient capital to pay my respects to her and to reacquaint ourselves with each other.

First Impressions

We got ourselves a room in the "Herbert Park Hotel" in Ballsbridge for three nights. The hotel is located near Herbert Park, a wonderful park between Ballsbridge and Donnybrook. Sinead's sister lives next to the park and takes her two dogs out for a walk several times a day. We drove from Carrickshock in county Kilkenny up to Dublin and checked into the hotel. Then I drove to the North Wall in the city center to return the car we had rented. I noticed the big changes to the North Wall, with international companies, hotels and restaurants now located there, which were not there once. The economy is booming in the city centre, not only on the North Wall Quay but in various other places, too. I saw the cranes when I was in the taxi going to the hotel. Without a doubt, my first impression of the city was that of a prosperous and flourishing city. I know there are big problems too. For example, I saw the barriers up and down both sides of the Grand Canal – that's not a permanent solution to the lack of housing!

Coláiste na Tríonóide

We got ourselves a room in the "Herbert Park Hotel" in Ballsbridge for three nights. The hotel is located near Herbert Park, a wonderful park between Ballsbridge and Donnybrook. Sinead's sister lives next to the park and takes her two dogs out for a walk several times a day. We drove from Carrickshock in county Kilkenny up to Dublin and checked into the hotel. Then I drove to the North Wall in the city center to return the car we had rented. I noticed the big changes to the North Wall, with international companies, hotels and restaurants now located there, which were not there once. The economy is booming in the city centre, not only on the North Wall Quay but in various other places, too. I saw the cranes when I was in the taxi going to the hotel. Without a doubt, my first impression of the city was that of a prosperous and flourishing city. I know there are big problems too. For example, I saw the barriers up and down both sides of the Grand Canal – that's not a permanent solution to the lack of housing!

The Old Library and Book of Kells

The Long Room is the main room of the Old Library (built between 1712 and 1732), with 200,000 of the oldest books. The roof was raised in 1860 so that more space could be created. There was an illuminated statue of the Earth on display, called Gaia and it was amazing to see it suspended in the air.

The Book of Kells has been on display in the Old Library since the mid-19th century and attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The book is open to show two pages of the script. We saw pages with a list of names on it – a kind of genealogy. It was a wonderful sight - a book written around 800 A.D.

I would recommend this trip to anyone who would like to get a general overview of Trinity College, and to see the Book of Kells.

National Museum of Ireland

The next day, and our last day in Dublin, we visited the National Museum of Ireland. Sinéad has been there many times before, as she is an archaeologist. But I think, and I'm ashamed of it, that this was my first visit to the National Museum. Well, procrastination often pays off, and that was definitely true for me. We spent two hours there, and we hadn't seen half of what was on display. I will be back to see and learn more. It is a first class institution, no doubt. We saw many prehistoric artifacts from the Bronze Age - the collection of prehistoric goldwork comes from a range of dates between 2200 BC and 500 BC. The Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition was also very interesting - the result of the findings of the National Museum of Ireland's Bog Bodies Research Project, which was established in 2003 after two Iron Age corpses were found in a bog in Oldcroghan, Co. Offaly and in Clonycavan, Co. of Meath. The remains were dated to the period between about 400 BC and 200 BC and were all very well preserved. It was really interesting to see such old remains, being able to see a human body from that period. It's free to visit the National Museum - that's an offer you can't refuse!

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Cúrsa san Aistriúchán!

A Course in Translation!

by | 2024/08/07 | Language Affairs, Personal

A Course in Translation!

 

My wife Sinéad and I recently spent a week in the Donegal Gaeltacht and we both had a great time. We attended courses organised by Oideas Gael in Glencolmcille - Sinéad on a course with an emphasis on spoken Irish and myself on a course in translation. Sinéad really liked the course she attended, and she improved her spoken Irish. I had never done a course in translation before, so I had no idea what I was walking into.

I was taken aback

I thought I already had the basic translation skills and would polish them in this class. I was soon taken aback. First, the teacher asked us to translate phrases or sentences from English into Irish. I did as he asked and then the problems just started. For example, we had to translate 'Mixed Doubles' (in tennis) into Irish. I went into Foclóir.ie and the translation I got is ‘cluiche dúbailte measctha’. We all had that same translation (five of us) in the class. We thought we'd quickly move on to the next phrase. A few hours later we were still chatting about that translation. Doctor Micheál Ó Duibh was teaching us a master class - there is no doubt about that. Micheál used this example and a few others too, to let us know the difficulties involved in translation. What happened during the time we were discussing 'Mixed Doubles'?

Master Class

We trust the dictionaries we use in translation. That's not always a good thing, and it's worth thinking first about what's behind the English version. It is also worth imagining that you are explaining English from Irish to someone who does not speak English. Also, the dictionary does not have to conform to the official Standard. You may not think so, but there are situations where it is necessary for you to comply with the official Standard in order to meet the terms of your contract. After all, you have options all the time when translating.

Micheál took us through the process, step by step. As an introduction, he said that there was more than one way to translate, and that he would show us his own way. His process is as follows.

Before translating 'mixed doubles', how about 'doubles'? We suggested a ‘dúbailte' to him. ‘Dúbailte’ can be used he said, but is there a better way to translate it into Irish? Don't you think there are only two people playing with the word 'dúbailte'? Is it right to use ‘dúbailte’ when referring to people? We didn't have the answers. He proposed 'cluiche beirteanna' as a translation of 'doubles', and 'cluiche beirteanna na bhfear', 'cluiche beirteanna na mban' and 'cluiche beirteanna measctha' as translations for 'men's doubles', 'women's doubles' and 'mixed doubles'. I have to say that those translations are much better, in my opinion, than what is in the dictionary. Micheál made translations of the meaning of the phrases, instead of a bare translation of the words themselves. That approach raises the quality of the translation significantly. That's just one example, but it gives you a taste of what's involved when you translate.

Sometimes, there is a phrase that is not clear how to translate, and you have to state the options and then think to pick the right one. For example: 'Irish Music Month 2024'. It can be given the following translations: ‘Mí Cheol na nÉireannach 2024’, ‘Mí Cheol na hÉireann 2024’, ‘Mí Cheol Éireannach 2024’, agus ‘Mí Ceoil Éireannaigh 2024’. The biggest problem with that is that the English version is ambiguous. For example, 'Irish' can be used to refer to someone from Ireland or something from Ireland. And it can be 'Irish Music' month', or 'Irish 'Music month'' and they are not the same. In Irish, each meaning has a different translation. We thought ‘Mí Cheol na hÉireann 2024’ was the best translation and what was meant in the original English version.

Practice makes perfect

We had a lot of exercises to do in class, and we spent most of the time practicing the craft of translation. We had to translate all kinds of passages, from official paragraphs from government documents to informal speeches by politicians, from road signs to passages from novels. We shared our efforts with the other students in the class, and they wrote suggestions on them. In this way, we received very useful feedback and we were learning and improving our skills all the time.

After that, Micheál said that it is very difficult to translate famous quotations. He gave us a difficult one, written by George Bernard Shaw: 'Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire'. I thought about it, and I noticed a few things. Firstly, the words 'perpendicular' and 'horizontal' work well in English, but it would be quite difficult to translate them directly into Irish. Secondly, it is a semi-sexual reference and it would not be correct to translate the explanation directly, because then the semi-reference which is central to the statement will be lost. Then, he came to me, and I did my best translation of the course and maybe ever: 'Scaoileann fonn fonn'. There are only three words, but they convey the essence of Shaw's statement. Instead of using geometric patterns, I used wordplay. Fonn means an air or tune, but it also means a wish or desire. You would be able to come up with 'A tune releases desire' as an explanation of the phrase Scaoileann fonn fonn'. I was sure after that translation that I had learned a lot in this great class, and that I am much more confident now to deal with all kinds of translations from now on!

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Tuairisc ó Mheiriceá-Casann an Taoide!

Report from America-The Tide Turns!

by | 2024/07/31 | Current Affairs, International News

Report from America-The Tide Turns!

Even a few days ago, things were not looking good in the United States of America (USA), if you are a Democrat. Before the debate between Trump and Biden on June 27, Biden was trailing in the polls by quite a bit. That debate stunned me, as I watched Biden struggle in every way. It was very clear to me that he could not control his thoughts at all, and he spouted rubbish more than a few times. It is a shame how terrible the debate was, with the candidates arguing about who is better at playing golf, when there are all kinds of problems to be solved in the country and in the world. After that poor showing, things took a turn for the worse for Biden in the polls. Even within his own party, his support had waned, and prominent Democrats had begun to say that it is time for Biden to consider whether it would be right for him to continue his bid for the presidency. The list of those people grew day by day. At first, Biden did not listen to them, saying that he would only listen to God.

Murder Attempt

Then there was an assassination attempt on Trump at a political rally. A bullet grazed Trump's ear, before the murder of the failed assassin by a secret service sniper. Trump seized that opportunity promptly and instinctively. Trump got back to his feet, bloodied but unbowed, a stream of blood on his face, his fist in the air, a US flag flying behind him. A photographer took a powerful photo of the horror, and with that Trump was given the status of a hero, a divine status. The experience of his near death gave renewed energy to the Trump campaign - reinforcing the public perception that he was a victim of the Democrats. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that iconic picture is worth more than hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign ads. At first, it was thought that the news would distract the public from Biden's difficulties. But the vociferous complaints continued and increased, urging Biden to drop his bid for the presidency. Then Biden contracted COVID, and had to self-isolate at home.

Change of Mind

Although he was ill, the pressure on Biden continued and he was in contact with people in the party whom he respected to discuss matters about his situation. He also had more time to discuss matters with his own family. Whatever the reason, Biden threw in the towel on July 21, and recommended Vice President Kamala Harris to fill his place. It was a very difficult thing for Biden to resign like that, but he did it for the good of his party and the good of the country - and not for his own good. What a contrast between Biden and Trump. Biden gave up his bid for the presidency when he didn't have to. Trump made every effort to remain president when he lost the presidential election. That's the difference between a democrat and an autocrat.

Kamala Harris

Most Democrats immediately gave their support to Harris. No other Democrat put his or her name in the running, either. Many donations were being made to Harris' campaigns after Biden pulled out. The Harris campaign probably raised more money in a 24-hour period than any other candidate in US history – around 100 million dollars! Therefore, it is clear that she has the support of the community. She has also received the support of the majority of delegates (2,688 out of almost 4,000 at the time of writing) in the party. and they choose which party will stand for the presidency. Therefore, it is almost certain that the Democrats will choose Harris to run for the presidency against Trump.

Is America ready?

Had Harris won, she would have been the first woman, the first woman of colour and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as president of the United States. There are many people on the right wing in the United States who are extremely conservative and would struggle with such changes. On the other hand, many people on the left wing want at least such changes. The people of the USA are completely divided politically, and that division is seen clearly and personally in their presidential choices - Trump and Harris. Trump and Harris are currently neck and neck in the polls. Harris has not yet named her vice presidential running mate, and that decision could have a major impact on the outcome of the election. The Republicans' plans are in disarray with Biden’s withdrawal and it will take time for them to come up with a new strategy. Therefore, the result cannot be predicted in any certain way yet. But this much can be said for sure – the Democrats will now have a much better chance of achieving many victories at all levels – the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Presidency – than when Biden was running for the presidency. Thanks to Biden's selflessness, the is a chance that we will move forward as a democracy in America, and win over the autocracy for another while!

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