Colum McCann on journeys of inspiration, his intensive research process, and his new novel. The annoying writerly adage says to write what you know. Great – if you possess a particular passion for accessing the extraordinary in the humdrum. Terrific – if your past is rich with enough adventure or incident to provide a lifetime of inspiration. But what if it isn’t? This is … [Read more...] about Colum McCann: Write What You Want to Know
Interviews
Melissa McCarthy: The Scene Stealer Goes Center Stage
Melissa McCarthy is taking Hollywood by storm in her own signature manner. The star of Mike & Molly and Bridesmaids talks to Patricia Danaher about her Irish roots, family and road to fame. There is no one more amazed than Melissa McCarthy at where she is today. “Overnight success” was 22 years in the making for the Chicago-born actress who was nominated for a 2012 Oscar … [Read more...] about Melissa McCarthy: The Scene Stealer Goes Center Stage
Harrington: Taking Classical Music out of the Concert Hall
Greg Harrington doesn’t look like your average classical violinist. When we met at a pub in Manhattan’s Upper West Side on a recent snowy evening, he was wearing a gray hoodie and peppered his conversation with good-natured cussing and colorful stories. But as Ireland’s leading classical violin soloist and crossover artist, he’s toured the world, produced two albums, and … [Read more...] about Harrington: Taking Classical Music out of the Concert Hall
The Genius of Day-Lewis Brings Lincoln Alive
In the last decade, Daniel Day-Lewis, one of the greatest actors of our time, has made only five films. But when he chooses to play a part he commits to it fully, as his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s latest biopic exemplifies. Between roles? It’s all about his family, he tells Patricia Danaher. Daniel Day-Lewis is in an extremely good mood. He’s in such … [Read more...] about The Genius of Day-Lewis Brings Lincoln Alive
CALLING UP THE ANCESTORS:
Genealogist Megan Smolenyak
Genealogist Megan Smolenyak
Digital archives, DNA testing and increased interest have made finding ancestors easier than ever before. But tracing one’s roots – especially Irish roots – is still no easy task. Megan Smolenyak^2 is the genealogist behind such important discoveries as President Obama’s Irish roots and the real identity of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island. It’s … [Read more...] about
Genealogist Megan Smolenyak