Léirmheas Leabhair – The Plot!

Book Review – The Plot!

by | 2024/09/11 | Reviews

Book Review – The Plot!

Introduction

I recently read a remarkable book called 'The Plot', written by Jean Hanff Korelitz and published in 2021. She has written seven other books, and one 'You should have Known' inspired the mini-series 'The Undoing' on HBO/ MAX (streaming platform). She is originally from New York, but has lived in other places, including Princeton New Jersey and the United Kingdom. She met Paul Muldoon for the first time in London. She met him again the following year in Yorkshire, when he attended a poetry course taught by Muldoon. Muldoon is a famous poet, originally from Co. Armagh. Muldoon is often compared to Séamus Heaney, a fellow poet from Northern Ireland, and Muldoon's friend and mentor.

The Plot

Jake was a writer whose first book was just a flash in the pan. He tried time after time to write another book that would be as successful as his first book, but he failed. Then he did the next thing he could think of – he taught a writing class.

One student in his class claimed that he had the best plot ever and that anyone could write a great book based on that plot. Once, that man – named Evan Parker – shared what he had in mind as a plot. Unfortunately, Evan didn't write that book. When Jake later researched Evan, he found out that he was dead.

So, Jake decided to write the book and he did. An incredible thing happened then – the book he wrote called 'The Crib' was in great demand. Steven Spielberg would be the director of the film based on the book. Then, Jake met a woman named Anna, they fell in love and after a while they got married. Undoubtedly, Jake was now on the pig's back with life giong his way. But the house of cards began to shake when Jake received an unknown e-mail saying: you are a thief! The e-mail worried Jake, and he feared that he would be branded a fraud who had stolen the plot of the book - one of the worst crimes an author could commit. What should Jake do? At first, he hoped he wouldn't get any more messages – but he was dreaming. The messages never stopped, and after a while things got worse and eventually Jake needed to get his publisher's lawyers involved.

There is another thread in this story in the form of chapters from the imaginary book written by Jake ('The Crib'), interwoven with chapters of 'The Plot'. There are two parallel realities moving forward together, with you getting more information from both all the time. That's a very effective literary device, which adds to the tension and the plot a lot. Anyway, Jake realized he had no other choice but to find out who sent him the messages, and why. It didn't take much time for Jake, working as a detective and going from place to place, to discover strange things. The strangest thing he discovered was that Evan had not imagined the plot at all. I won't reveal anything else for fear of spoiling the story, but I can say that there are still a few more twists and turns left for you in the story.

Recommendations

'The Plot' is not like a James Patterson or Lee Child book. The story moves more slowly and the chapters are longer. But there is more than a thriller involved here too. The author discusses themes that are important today. For example, is it possible to steal a plot at all – what are the rules for that? It is not easy to answer that question in the age of the internet and social media, let alone Artificial Intelligence.

It was very interesting how the author weaved passages from the imaginary book 'The Crib' through this book as well, sharing the plot that Evan had in the beginning.

I would recommend you read 'The Plot', not only as a thriller, although it is a good thriller, but also as a piece of literature, which goes deeper than a detective novel in terms of character development and deals with important themes of this time.

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Dírbheathaisnéis 10 -M’Uncail John!

Autobiography 10- My Uncle John!

by | 2024/09/04 | Dírbheathaisnéis

Autobiography 10- My Uncle John!

Our relatives did not come to visit often because they did not live near us. It used to be a long journey for them in the sixties and seventies in the last century. Our relatives on my mother's side lived in Dublin, and our relatives on my father's side lived on the Mullet peninsula in County Mayo. There was no motorway in the country at that time, and the roads were of poor quality.

But from time to time, close intrepid relatives came to visit. They used to have to stay with us for a while, especially when they were coming from the Mullet peninsula, because that journey took one day coming to us and another day going home. When we (my brother, my sister and I) heard that relatives would be coming to visit us, we used to get excited in the days before. Sinful desserts would be available, biscuits of all kinds and delicious meals every day, because my Mum tried to do her best in the kitchen. Also, the visitors always gave us gifts, including sweets. We ate the sweets in an instant, and we were out and about and full of sugar. We were naughty then, running here and there, laughing, shouting and the like. It wasn't long before we were thrown out of the house, so that the adults could talk and chat together. After that, we were not able to spend much time with our relatives, because as soon as my mother saw us coming, she kicked us out without delay. The visitors made no effort to spend extra time with us either – with one exception!

Our Uncle John

When we heard that our uncle John and his wife Evelyn would be coming to visit us, we could hardly sleep. They themselves were childless and I think they treated us as if we were their own children. They brought gifts for everyone in the family, and they had not only sweets but toys and comics for us, the children. We weren't thrown out, either, because John and Evelyn gave us their attention, asking us questions, listening to what we were saying, and spending time with us. We liked them both very much, because we felt that they were interested in us. With most other relatives, we felt that they were not the least bit interested in us, but that we were a pain in the ass.

There is no doubt that Uncle John was the favorite relative for the three of us - my brother, my sister and myself. Although he was a big man - more than 6 feet tall and built accordingly - he was a gentle, bright, deep-voiced man who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was my father's eldest brother, and my father had a lot of respect for John, no doubt.

The Walk!

Uncle John used to take us (the kids) for a walk to the city center once every visit. But it was not a boring walk, so we were excited about the same walk as soon as they came to visit us. Uncle John didn't lay down for us which route to take through the city, but he gave us that option. I tell you, we always had a great plan. We visited every toy shop and every book shop in the center of Kilkenny, looking into every shop window we could. When one of us would see an interesting toy or book, we would point a finger at it, and say something like: "Uncle John, isn't that a nice toy/book?" There was no need to say anything else and a few minutes later, Uncle John would come out of the shop, with the toy/book in hand.

When Uncle John asked us to wait outside the pub or bookie shop, we had no problem with that. It used to be a secret agreement, and we had the smarts to say nothing about it at home. Uncle John was on his holidays, and who would refuse him having a bit of fun too? As the old saying goes: Let he who is free cast the first stone! By the end of that wonderful walk, the three (four? ) of us would have nice presents, and everyone of us, including Uncle John, would sport a big smile.

We will never forget our wonderful uncle Uncle John, whose generosity touched our hearts. He is a good example for us, this great man who never ignored us as children, but always the opposite. Although I try my best to emulate him, it is not easy, because Uncle John achieved the highest standard, not only as an uncle but as a human being. We miss you very much, our Uncle John!

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Generative Artificial Intelligence

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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