A long time ago, inspired by a radio show, I started making my own bread. The beginning of my newly embraced career as a baker was a bit bumpy. Following all the required steps and phases, I measured all the ingredients carefully, mixed them and left them for proving. Hours later I baked the risen dough and then left it…
A very popular app helps to learn a great selection of languages, from widely spoken ones like English, Spanish or Chinese to the very niche, like Hawaiian, Navajo or Latin or even a few made-up ones, like Esperanto or High Valyrian, the latter being of “Game of Thrones” fame. Considering the service’s wide-ranging line-up there’s a strange absence of the…
The passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on New Year’s Eve led to an outburst of articles, reports and mini-documentaries in the mass media. Most of them seemed to focus on differences between the late pope and Pope Francis, often presenting them as the figureheads of the polar opposite factions in the church, fiercely fighting for their respective corners. I’m…
Glasgow is known for many things, but the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is legendary. Or, some people would say, infamous and disgraceful. The truth is that it isn’t unique. This kind of contest is widespread in the world of football despite official declarations of the uniting power of the game. In fact, the sport’s popularity relies on such a…
Usually, on 1st January I would offer a relatively short (though never rushed) Mass with just a few lines dropped as a sermon addressed to a relatively small congregation. Over the years I learnt first-hand that any serious dissertation delivered from the pulpit makes little sense as fine details get lost in the post-Hogmanay haze. Usually, the Mass would be…