Author Archives: Jeanette Dean

Dublin is one of the world’s most beloved cities. It welcomes almost 6 million tourists every year. It’s changing rapidly. It has plenty of reasons for being on any architect’s travel list. On my walks I’ve noticed how the historical buildings are being supplemented or blended with modern architecture. The city’s red brick buildings, prettyContinue reading “The changing face of Dublin”

” We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” — The Declaration of Independence – July 4th 1776. America was founded on the racial idea that all menContinue reading “A Principle to live by on July 4th”

St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth was founded in 1795. It was established by the government as a College for Catholic lay and ecclesiastical studies. As my Czehlak friend Jana and I walked through the grounds, it was fun to watch three year old John blow his bubbles towards the ancient rooftops. The paths we walked dateContinue reading “Saturday in Maynooth”

” We all fall victim to being prisoners of our own perspective”  John Rogers I  love this view of Ireland’s Eye taken on a bike ride last week from Malahide to Portmarnock. The island is the closest point to Howth Lighthouse. Can you see the golden retriever swimming quite far out from the beach? ItContinue reading “How to see”

In this powerful documentary Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States and the cruelty and violence people endured to win their civil rights. It’s a good introduction to how systemic racism works in America today and how deep it goes. Streaming free on Netflix and You Tube.   © JeanetteContinue reading “13TH Documentary”

“People are wondering and anxious to get back to normal. A good question really is, ‘was normal that good?’ Can we build a better normal with deeper, healthier and more real relationships?” General Martin Dempsey It’s possible today to saunter through the streets of Lockdown Dublin city centre unimpeded by riots, heavy traffic and crowds. Continue reading “Dublin can be heaven with coffee at 11”

“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” Elon Musk I’m posting this for two reasons. First, my last employer in Sacramento before I came back to Ireland was Elon Musk, and his two South African cousins. Elon is the SpaceX CEO so I’m kinda proudContinue reading “SpaceX makes history”

“For five minutes we watched as a white officer pressed his knee into the neck of a black man who was helpless,” the mayor said. “For five whole minutes. This was not a matter of a split-second poor decision.” Jacob Frey. I was hesitant to write about Ahmaud Arbery. There’s enough sadness in the worldContinue reading “Processing white supremacy in America”

The 33 bus from Abbey Street in Dublin goes along the scenic north Dublin estuary to the beautiful coastal town of Skerries in Fingal. It’s a pleasant bus ride. It was so good to see and smell the sea this week, after two months of strict quarantine. Skerries is derived from the Norse words, “Skere”Continue reading “Chillin’ out in Skerries”

This is a guest blog from my dear friend of 20+ years — Karine Schomer. She has a PhD and is a writer, speaker, scholar, and a political and social commentator, amongst many other things. It wasn’t until I heard Queen Elizabeth’s April 5 address, and started following California Governor Gavin Newsom’s daily Coronavirus briefings,Continue reading “The Queen’s Speech and the Governor’s Press Conferences”