THE countdown has begun. It is a matter of when, not if, the Greek government and creditors will have to reconcile a 50% default on their sovereign debt.

THE TV3 documentary series The Rise and Fall of Fianna Fáil is probably the first of many broadcast and print reviews of the party that seeks to place political events in a historical context.

Intrinsic share values of state companies have been systematically pillaged by management and employees.

LAST week, while filling in for Vincent Browne on TV 3, I stumbled across a current controversy.

A NEW academic year begins.

DEEP divisions are at the heart of prevailing paralysis in the eurozone.

THE silly season is in full swing.

REMEMBER the blockbuster Rich Man, Poor Man? This spectacularly successful televised drama series in 1976 was based on the tale of the Jordache brothers, Rudy and Tom.

RENOWNED cyclist and classic golfer, Enda Kenny, can enjoy his August break. The good news just keeps coming: excellent poll ratings, largest ever Dáil majority, principal opponents FF in toxic (even terminal) condition, afterglow of historic successful visits by Queen and President Obama, triumphant speech denouncing Vatican, improved bailout terms and best of all, prospects of Mayo winning Sam Maguire.

EUROCRATS and politicians still conspire to ensure that the truth is obscured about our future debt destiny.