Paul Cullen

Dublin

Writer at Freelance

Former Health Editor of The Irish Times. [email protected].

Articles

Etwall Well Dressing Festival 17th, 18th and 19th May 2025

3 weeks ago | expressandstar.com | Paul Cullen

Well dressing is the art of decorating springs and wells, or places where wells used to be located, with pictures made from natural growing things. This ancient craft is thought to have pagan origins developed from the age old fear and worship of water gods and spirits.
Etwall Well Dressing Festival 17th, 18th and 19th May 2025

3 weeks ago | derbyshiretimes.co.uk | Paul Cullen

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowEtwall is a small village situated 8 miles south west of Derby. Well Dressing began here in 1970 and takes place each year over the 3rd weekend in May, which this year will be on Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Monday 19th May 2025. Well dressing is the art of decorating springs and wells, or places where wells used to be located, with pictures made from natural growing things.
Are Casino Games Rigged?

2 months ago | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

No, casino games are not rigged. Neither are online casino games. There are many reasons why a casino would never rig its games. Not least, the simple fact that – it doesn’t need to. Aside from the risk associated with rigging, the reputational damage, and a scandal so sticky it would be game over for the business or brand, there is simply no reason to rig. Did you lose money at the casino? Did that dealer hit six blackjacks in a row? Did you crap out and sink your stack?
Wimbledon in Numbers: A Serving of Stats

Feb 24, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

Quiet, please… Wimbledon 2024 is in play. The oldest tennis tournament in the world is serving up the action and Techopedia is crunching the numbers and Wimbledon facts. It all started in 1877, when 200 spectators watched Spencer Gore win the trophy at the inaugural Wimbledon Championships. This year, more than 55 million people will tune in for a volley of grunts, a forehand of close calls, and a generous helping of Wimbledon strawberries and cream.
36 Things you Didn't Know About Roulette

Feb 19, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

It’s the quintessential casino game. Easy to play, simple to understand, fun for everyone. If your lucky number lands, it’s payday. Roulette is one of the most iconic games at any casino. It’s been a fan favorite for centuries. But just what is it about that bouncing ball, and the spinning reel, that keeps the punters locked in and betting that lucky number? Here’s a fact for every number on the reel.
Casino Myths Busted: You're Due a Win When You've Been on a Losing Streak

Feb 19, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

The Myth:“It’s been a while – you’re due a win.”When it comes to busting myths, this is one of the easiest. That’s because, in the casino, only one thing matters: the numbers. Every game, from baccarat to blackjack, to roulette to craps, has an embedded, irrefutable, mathematical formula that is impossible to deny. Maybe, the Earth is flat; maybe Darwin is wrong; maybe, man never set foot on the moon. But: math ain’t maybe.
Kerry Packer: His Life, Family & Gambling

Feb 19, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

A disowned brother, a suicidal mistress, four heart attacks, a sporting icon, and the man who bet $100 million on the toss of a coin. It’s nearly 20 years since Australian media mogul Kerry Packer died of kidney failure. Gone but not forgotten. Packer was an anomaly; an astute businessman, a gambler, an academic failure, a ruthless negotiator; a generous man who put loyalty ahead of all else. For many years, the richest man in Australia.
The Incredible Story of the King of Slots William 'Si' Redd and IGT

Feb 19, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

International Game Technology (IGT) is arguably one of the most important gambling companies operating today. It’s definitely one of the most powerful; with an annual revenue, for 2023, at $4.31 billion, and growth at 2.04%. For the stock market gamblers, the form of IGT is looking good. This is the business that brought the world video poker and some of the best progressive jackpot slots.
Is Gambling legal in China?

Feb 19, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

Gambling in China reflects a broader conundrum. It’s a communist state that plays the capitalism game like a seasoned pro. Its leader, Xi Jinping, calls for “common prosperity”, from a country that has more billionaires than any other (814 compared to 800 in the US).
Casino Myths Busted: Casinos Pump Oxygen in the Air to Keep Players Awake

Feb 19, 2025 | techopedia.com | Paul Cullen

The Myth: “Did you know that casinos pump oxygen into gaming rooms, to keep players awake? The pure oxygen keeps them playing for longer.”One of the great things about Google is its advanced search feature. By setting custom dates, you can estimate when — roughly — urban legends first appeared. The myth, that oxygen is pumped into casinos, seems to have originated in about 2005.