Everyday philosophy The study of philosophy is supposed to get you to question beliefs that you take entirely for granted, to get you to overturn your ordinary assumptions. But one could be forgiven for thinking that some of the revolutions of thought that philosophy is supposed to bring about don’t amount to much. Sceptics about…

Dolphins self-medicate skin conditions with coral A rash might send humans rushing to the pharmacy, but when some dolphins get skin conditions they queue up to rub themselves against coral with medicinal properties, new research suggests. According to the study, the animals are selective about which coral they use to self-medicate. Co-lead author Angela Ziltener,…

Charlotte Vard Just last month, echoes of laughter and exclamations of pleasant surprise were heard throughout Newbridge Parish Centre, as we hosted sixth class Confirmation retreats. For just three days, Confirmation students were given the opportunity to grow in their faith, have fun, and build relationships. I’ve said it for the past nine years and…

Helen Vysotska Love Notes Can’t we accept that people have different values when it comes to sex outside marriage? We need to be realistic: times have changed since the Bible was written. Modern culture tells us that if something feels good and we want it, we should have it. Go ahead, YOLO (You Only Live…

Medical Matters Figures this year show that life expectancy in Ireland is now the highest in the EU at 82.6 years with the gap between females and males narrowing in the last decade. Women are now living to 84.1 and men 80.5 years which compares to a mean age of 76.6 years about two decades…

Pentagon committed to understanding UFO origins Two top US defence intelligence officials have said the Pentagon is committed to determining the origins of what the US government calls “unidentified aerial phenomena” in the first public congressional hearing in more than 50 years concerning what are commonly known as UFOs. The two officials, Ronald Moultrie and…

Laudato Si’ Week 2022, held from May 22-29, marks the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care. It is a global Catholic celebration which unites us to listen and respond together to the cry of creation. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in bringing Laudato…

Major US retailers limit baby formula over shortages US retailers including Target, CVS Health Corp and Walgreens said they have limited purchases of infant formula due to a supply shortage. The limits come after top supplier Abbott Laboratories in February recalled some baby formula including Similac made at its plant in Michigan over complaints of…

Mindful Living Today I want to finish up my reflection on the parallels between meditation and marriage. All relationships struggle at some point and, very likely, at several points along the shared journey. Change is inevitable in every aspect of life and not all change is immediately welcome, so struggle is inevitable too and must…