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Why The Book?&nbsp;Anne Hayden's book, "It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic" is a book dedicated to her father and explores the profound impact of plastic on our lives. It features conversations on plastic pollution, its sources, and its effects on the environment and human health, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions. The book includes guest contributions that add different perspectives on this complex issue. Dr Niall MacGiolla Bhuí writes about engaging in open discussions around plastic, as well as the urgency that action is taken to combat it. Cathy Fitzgibbon, MSc focuses on linking seasonal eating to the plastic pollution problem in the Irish context and Conor MacGiolla Bhuí, MSc writes from a Gen Z perspective on possible actions, as well as how Ireland and Sweden address plastic.<figure id="figure-m9dvfflkmfm838npyc"><img id="m9dvfflkmfm838npyc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6QJV0PLA0vIpp9gLwZzrtj7wX7rPl5psaaExcj34RYHCEPsjRAl1pefjf6etPFZ1.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>The author, Anne Hayden, MSc was motivated to write "It's a Wrap" by a strong sense of concern regarding society's contradictory attitude toward plastic, despite its wide-ranging implications. Several factors contributed to her motivation:Personal Observation: From her office overlooking the Galway docks, Hayden witnessed ships laden with bales of plastic destined for foreign shores, prompting her to question whether society could do better in managing plastic waste. Academic Pursuits: Her interest in plastics began during her undergraduate thesis at University College Dublin, where she researched consumer and industry perceptions of plastic food wrapping and its recyclability. Later, during her master's programme at Smurfit Business School in Dublin, she learned about the significant role of product packing in marketing strategies. Desire for Dialogue and Action: Hayden aimed to ignite a collective awakening and inspire action by exploring the complex influence of plastic, from its origins and manufacturing to its lasting imprint on the environment. Passion for the Topic: The author states her passion for the topic of plastic and its effects, expressing her desire to explore the complex connection between plastic and its significant effects on daily lives and the world. She aimed to produce a body of work that explores this connection. Belief in Transparent Dialogue: Hayden argues for the significance of having a transparent dialogue on plastic usage at all levels of society to facilitate meaningful change towards real and long-term sustainability. -Harry Hickey, March 2025.

It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic by Anne Hayden, MSc

Shot of a young woman writing in her journal at the beach

World Book Day is a global celebration dedicated to promoting reading, publishing, and copyright. Established by UNESCO in 1995, it is now observed annually and falls on March 7th in Ireland and the UK. This date holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of the deaths of literary giants such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. So, global luminaries.&nbsp;<h3>Origins</h3>The origins of World Book Day trace back to 1922 when Vicente Clavel, a Valencian writer and publisher, proposed a day to honour Cervantes and boost book sales. Initially celebrated on October 7th, Cervantes’ believed birthday, it was later moved to April 23rd, the date of his death, to align with the feast of Saint George—a day traditionally associated with the exchange of books and roses in Catalonia.&nbsp;<h3>Ireland</h3>In Ireland, World Book Day has been embraced with enthusiasm and we upload videos of our authors across social media to celebrate their successes and contributions to the book world. We show our love for all things authors, books and publishing. We love books in Ireland - the land of saints and scholars. A recent 2024 study revealed that 91% of Irish respondents had read a book in the past 12 months, underscoring a robust reading culture. &nbsp;Additionally, Ireland ranked third in the European Union for online book purchases, with 22.2% of residents buying books online. Not bad at all (photo of Anne Hayden's book on plastic food packaging).&nbsp; <figure id="figure-s01m37wxcom7vu31wp"><img id="s01m37wxcom7vu31wp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13GPRDAaXG1A7CFiwRNnlm7l95Cq4LaBqezsYxhrnS0kRCRj57iBV0qSzIHIgDMa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13GPRDAaXG1A7CFiwRNnlm7l95Cq4LaBqezsYxhrnS0kRCRj57iBV0qSzIHIgDMa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Global Picture</h3>Globally, reading habits vary. The United States leads with an average of 17 books read per person annually, followed by India at 16, and the United Kingdom at 15. &nbsp;However, challenges persist. A 2024 report indicated a 4.4% decrease in the number of books read by children across the UK and Ireland, highlighting the need for initiatives like World Book Day to foster a love for reading among younger generations (photo of Niall MacGiolla Bhuí's book on navigating the publishing landscape).&nbsp;<figure id="figure-pb4g075shm7vu4ypg"><img id="pb4g075shm7vu4ypg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4sUKSju8ursyN3h5J6rC8ROmAulhy5LJ0lrZCCKHAZ5uCMFZoH67MizQiXxKudMu.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4sUKSju8ursyN3h5J6rC8ROmAulhy5LJ0lrZCCKHAZ5uCMFZoH67MizQiXxKudMu.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>A Reminder...</h3>World Book Day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of books. It encourages individuals of all ages to explore new worlds, gain knowledge, and develop empathy through reading. By celebrating authors, books, and the act of reading, we acknowledge the pivotal role literature plays in shaping societies and bridging cultural divides.Trending Hashtags: #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #BookLovers #ReadingCulture #LiteracyMatters<h3>References:</h3>• UNESCO. “World Book and Copyright Day.”• World Population Review. “Average Books Read Per Year by Country 2024.”• The Guardian. “Children reading fewer, less challenging books, UK and Ireland study finds.”• The Independent. “Ireland places third in new EU ranking for online buyers of books.”• The Bookseller. “UK among nations with the biggest reading public according to new global EIBF study.”<h3>Bibliography:</h3>• “World Book and Copyright Day.” UNESCO,• “Average Books Read Per Year by Country 2024.” World Population Review,• “Children reading fewer, less challenging books, UK and Ireland study finds.” The Guardian,• “Ireland places third in new EU ranking for online buyers of books.” The Independent,• “UK among nations with the biggest reading public according to new global EIBF study.” The Bookseller,

World Book Day 2025

The Protagonist's AbilitiesThe protagonist's abilities are triggered by a combination of events and circumstances, primarily connected to her Sámi heritage, a specific ritual, and her unique birth. Sámi Heritage and the Reindeer Heart: Mi La’s abilities are linked to her Sámi background and a specific ritual involving a reindeer heart. It is revealed that her abilities were activated when she consumed a reindeer's heart at a ceremony with a noaidi (a Sámi shaman), transferring part of the animal's spirit to her and fusing with her being. This event is key to her identity as Seikharinne, the Girl-Child of the Northern Lights. The reindeer seemed to know that her spirit was special.<figure id="figure-9z97tmbkdpm7vpnkxn"><img id="9z97tmbkdpm7vpnkxn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31WV06uKYUGSyD3R6P2x26vmLp8MyrKlLf3AvifAGgGq5MCmYeWG0wnVYhGAtQfD.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31WV06uKYUGSyD3R6P2x26vmLp8MyrKlLf3AvifAGgGq5MCmYeWG0wnVYhGAtQfD.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Northern Lights: Mi La's mother recognised the connection between the lines in her palms and the Northern Lights. Her palms shimmer with thin red streaks, similar to the aurora borealis. This is described as setting off the lines in her palms. It is also a part of her Seikhar identity as a “Child of the Northern Lights.<figure id="figure-w0gb7wxqwdm7vpq281"><img id="w0gb7wxqwdm7vpq281" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1776941677/photo/northern-lights-in-the-northwest-territories-canada.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vzwQEC1VuojIlcuT06qZb1LcyQ4vVTCDyrFLRoA07Nc=" alt="Northern lights in the Northwest Territories, Canada" title="Northern lights in the Northwest Territories, Canada" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1776941677/photo/northern-lights-in-the-northwest-territories-canada.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vzwQEC1VuojIlcuT06qZb1LcyQ4vVTCDyrFLRoA07Nc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Hexfinder and Abduction: Mi La's abilities also make her a target. The Hexfinder, an agent of the Nefarious, was sent to find children with special gifts. She was abducted by them because of her abilities. It is said they target people with paranormal skills, and take people to use them. Coming of Age: Her first moon bleeding (menstruation) is another trigger that seems to heighten her powers. Cook Ma explains that many gifts start to manifest more strongly, or take root in the body when a girl moves into womanhood. The first time her abilities were noticed at Long Si was when she had her first moon bleeding. Yong Da, who is sensitive to energies, also noticed this shift. Hidden Eyes: Mi La's ability to see hearts is also triggered by the presence of Hidden Eyes, the spirit dragon of Long Si. Being in his presence caused her hands to light up and she used her powers to call him. Emotional States and Intense Experiences: Her abilities appear to be enhanced by intense emotional experiences, such as anger and fear. When she is in duels, she can bring out her ability to see heart orbs, and borrow the skills of others. For example, during her duel with Yong Da she focused on Steel Master’s heart, and got a boost of energy. By focusing on her own heart, she could also send out a white tendril of energy to latch onto others. The Tournament at Long Si: The tournament at Long Si was a test to see if Mi La could command her powers. It forced her to develop her abilities further. The Power of the Word: Mi La discovers that the word "Seikhar" acts as a key, unlocking her powers and connecting her to her destiny.<figure id="figure-g3pyitdipm7vpodpc"><img id="g3pyitdipm7vpodpc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25HPh9c5Maih78768wtZDWOeloVAkCqLPCEOUtYelovJ5rTqOLole4Ogwkn0J6jB.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25HPh9c5Maih78768wtZDWOeloVAkCqLPCEOUtYelovJ5rTqOLole4Ogwkn0J6jB.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

The Protagonist's Abilities in The Polar Saga Series

Futuristic AI and Human Interaction with Holographic Question Mark

Top 5 Challenges Facing Use of AI in Universities in 2025

The Polar Saga Series&nbsp;Let's have another peek at Catarina Lilliehöök's first book and the relevance of oracle bones in her forthcoming #PolarSaga Series scheduled for release very soon... Oracle bones play a significant role in the book’s narrative, acting as a source of guidance, a justification for actions, and a link to destiny within the story's world. They are a method of divination and are treated with respect by those who use them. Let’s look at it in a little more detail as the plot is glorious... Guidance and Decision-Making: Master Li uses oracle bones to make important decisions and claims that the oracle bones told him to go to the slave market, where he found Mi La. The oracle bones are presented as a source of truth, and their pronouncements carry weight with those who believe in them. For example, when Cook Ma questions if Master Li went wrong in the slave market, he justifies his actions by saying, "The oracle bones told me clearly". The bones are consulted to determine the correct course of action and to understand the signs that are revealed to them. Justification for Actions: The oracle bones are used to justify the decisions and actions taken by characters, especially by Master Li. When Mi La asks why she is at Long Si, she is told that the oracle bones said as much. They are used to explain the circumstances surrounding Mi La's arrival at Long Si, particularly that the bones indicated that she should be there and that this is part of her destiny. Master Li tells Mi La that it is not simple to follow the oracle bones, suggesting that their guidance is not always clear or easy to interpret. He also admits that he had to fight hard for Mi La to come to Long Si, suggesting there was some resistance to her arrival. He justifies rescuing Mi La from the Nefarious by stating that the oracle bones guided him to her and also says that he needed to see if she could call Hidden Eyes, suggesting that the bones predicted that she would be able to do so. Connection to Destiny and Prophecy: The oracle bones are linked to the prophecies surrounding the Three Masters of Long Si, and their return. The prophecy of their reincarnation was inscribed on a stone tablet, and interpreted by geomancers. They are also used to identify the reincarnated brothers. The bones are said to have indicated that Mi La possessed a special skill, though it was not clear which one. The oracle bones predicted that Mi La would be the twin spirit to Hidden Eyes, which is why she was taken from the slave market. Limitations and Ambiguity: Although the oracle bones are important, the narrative also acknowledges that their interpretations are not always straightforward and the characters must still make choices and use their own judgement in the process. Master Li's reliance on the bones is also questioned as he admits that his personal interests may have clouded his judgement and that the bones are not always easy to follow.

The Polar Saga Series

A Deep Dive into Catarina Lilliehöök's forthcoming book, 'The Spirit Dragon's Keeper'. The protagonist, Mi La, experiences several overarching themes that connect her past and present, including her identity, destiny, family, and the impact of her unique abilities. Identity: Mi La struggles with her sense of self, torn between her Sámi heritage and her life at Long Si. She was once a reindeer herder, "Lu Mi La", a name that is a transcription of sounds and has a deep connection to her homeland. However, she is also called "Little Secret" a name given to her by Master Li. Her past is rooted in nature, with stories of her grandmother and the land and her present is defined by her training in martial arts and Chinese traditions. She grapples with how her past fits into her present, and questions whether she is still a "reindeer herder". She is a "mule herder" to Yong Da and sometimes feels like a detested orphan. Destiny: Mi La's destiny is a recurring theme. Master Li tells her that her destiny is at Long Si, and it is to study and learn. She is told that her destiny is linked to the Spirit Dragon. Her destiny, she learns, involves the need to balance her yin (feminine) energy with Hidden Eye's yang (masculine) energy. She was taken by the Nefarious because she had paranormal skills to be used by them, which also explains why Master Li rescued her. Mi La's destiny as "Spirit Dragon’s Keeper" is not a straight road and is tied to the need to overcome her hardest opponent, which is herself. She initially has many questions about her destiny and later finds out that it is to help Hidden Eyes. Family: Her family in Sápmi is a strong presence in her mind. She remembers her grandmother's stories and the bond she had with her reindeer. Her parents are a source of pain for her, as she is reminded by Yong Da that they left her. She also forms a deep bond with one of the temple cats, her sister who she refers to as Habllek, a name that stems from the Sami language. Her mother's warnings echo in her mind, "Be careful, Mila. Be careful not to show". At Long Si, Cook Ma becomes a kind of mother figure for her and she feels a sense of responsibility to protect Wei Wan like a younger brother and in this, she recalls her brother, Olli. She feels both "a tug and pull" to Master Li, whom she is also sometimes in conflict with, and feels betrayed by. Unique Abilities: Mi La possesses unique abilities that connect her past and present. In her past, her mother was scared of her "glimmering hands", and her grandmother was cautious of her ability to see hearts. Mi La’s ability to see people's "heart orbs", and how emotion affects these orbs is something she recalls from the past and continues to experience in her present at Long Si. She also can borrow the strength and skills of others. It is through her power that she can call Hidden Eyes and become aware of her identity as Seikhar, a "Child of the Northern Lights". Mi La also learns that her ability was the reason she was targeted by the Nefarious. These themes illustrate the complexity of Mi La's journey, as she grapples with her origins, discovers her purpose, and develops her powers, which ultimately shape her path toward her destiny as the Spirit Dragon's Keeper. -Harry Hickey, February 2025.