Greetings & Blessings to all,

 

We hope this pre-Independence Day edition finds all of you and yours  in fine fettle and as fit as a fiddle . If this is your first issue, many thanks for joining us and if you enjoy our musings and meanderings, please feel to share them with your family and friends.

 

It’s hard to believe another month has come and gone and many of you will be reading this on July 1st - so pinch, punch, first day of the month, white rabbit!  And for all of our readers up north, Happy Canada Day! That said, the majority of our subscribers are from the USA and we know many of you are getting ready for parades, picnics and barbecues this weekend.  We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday. As for ourselves, we have a wedding to go to on Friday and then we’ll be spending the actual holiday  at our daughter’s place. They live high on a hill so when it gets dark, we simply go out to the back of the house and watch an amazing array of fireworks going off in every direction. Bridget never gets tired of watching the pyrotechnics and Russ is fond of saying that he married a kid who is still a kid. Herself doesn’t mind.

 

Onwards. Now that the US is out of the World Cup (and Ireland wasn’t in it to begin with) our enthusiasm has waned  - but we are hoping that watching the US make such a great effort will have inspired more Americans to learn  about “The Beautiful Game.” We have an advantage in that Bridget grew up with soccer in England and Russ spent a good many years there, so he understands all of the hoopla. Taking the place of the World Cup now,  at least for us, is Wimbledon fortnight. Bridget always gets a wee bit wistful when this comes around every year as she literally lived in the S.W. 19 zip code - about a mile or so from Centre Court. Watching the play is so  different from the action in So. Africa - no vuvuzuleas for one thing! TG the Wimbledon officials had the sense to ban them. They made watching the soccer games incredibly annoying. That said, we find the groans and grunts from the tennis players annoying as well. Years ago, you never heard a sound except for the ball pinging on the racket or bouncing on the court and the umpires announcing the scores. Even the crowds were always low key with just an occasional round of applause to signal a good volley or a win. Oh well. Times have changed and we live in a much noisier world.  Maybe what’s needed to tone down the din is the consumption of  lots more  strawberries and cream washed down with  copious glasses of champers or Pimms. Lovely thought, eh?

Enough of the blather and on with the update:

 

 

SPONSOR: Please help us keep your newsletter coming - visit our good friends at the Celtic Attic:

Whatever the occasion, stop by the Celtic Attic where you’ll find a wide array of ways to celebrate every celebration  in Celtic style,  plus, take 5.00 off an order of $50 or more exclusively through Irish Culture & Customs. Just put the code IC01 in the add a gift card section! 

Contact the Celtic Attic on line or by phone - and tell them Bridget & Russ said hello!

Tel: 1-360-286-2307

On line:

http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?CSC&Affiliate=Bridget

 

 IN THIS ISSUE:

News: Already sent as a separate document

From the mailbag

Links

Quips, Quotes, Proverbs & Toasts

A Bit of the Wit

Joke of The Week

Did You Know

Know Your Writers

Riddle

The week That Is

Events

Leave 'em Laughing

 

 

First off, Tom McGuire wrote to let us know that in our last newsletter, we had made a mistake in attributing the quote “War is hell” to Cavan man General Sheridan when in fact, it was said by General Sherman. We appreciate the correction Tom!

 

Cathy Stewart writes:

I'm hoping you can help me out or possibly point me in a direction. I have been asked by a deacon at church to find out the meaning behind the old Irish custom of seven pieces of snuff and the dead. Thanks! 

Dave writes in response to previous requests: The translation a rún mo chroí  actually means intention purpose or secret of my heart... Not sure where A ran mo chore... wasn't in my Email... A typo perhaps.  The literal translation of love of my heart is a ghrá mo chroí... a rún mo chroí  works as well as would  a stór mo chroi  that would be treasure or wealth of my heart, my dear.  Rún means mystery, secret, intention, purpose and resolution.  All of these phrases are classic Irish and traditional terms of endearment and all may be freely translated l”love of my heart.” 

 

Whitethorn (sceach geal aka hawthorn) which is in bloom at the beginning of May has been  commonly called the 'May Bush'.   Rowan (caorthann aka mountain ash) has also been used.  Gorse(aiteann aka furze) has also been used, but less commonly, for the May Boughs.  From what I have read white or hawthorn is the most commonly used.     

ED. NOTE: Many thanks for your on-going help and advice, Dave!  

 

James McDonough writes:

Dear Friends, 

We have started a new group on FaceBook and in the real world. THE JAMES JOYCE COLLOQUIUM. f you love the works of James Joyce and associated events such as Bloomsday Celebrations, readings, theater and the like; if you have an interest in collecting Joyce or if you just want to meet and mingle with other Joyce afficionados...any or all of the aforementioned...then please consider joining.

Our ultimate goal is to have an annual Colloquium. The URL follows. 

Hope to see you soon.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=106351242744517

 

Donald writes: 

We did a bit of reseeding (in Meath) recently and I am always one for scavenging in the fields afterwards for interesting bits of pottery etc. Ihave come across the head of an old clay pipe and Iwas  wondering if you could tell me anything of its origins as it has a distinct pattern of a heart on one side and a hand on the other .It is a white pipe unlike the parts of another one that i found yesterday which is more of a blue tone.

 

Pat writes:

I have found some old one sided records while moving. There is one by John McCormack called, Figlia del Reggimento-Romamza  " to be near her"  also;  Since You went Away"  with Fritz Kreisler.  Anyone who is interested, please email me:

mary092@comcast.net

 

Nancy writes: I have a letter dated 1860 written by my great-great-great-grandfather (George McCullough - Antrim, Ireland) that states he received a “cut of dreaming cheese” on the occasion of the birth of his brother’s first child.   Have you ever heard of this custom?   What is “dreaming cheese?” Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated.

 

Amy writes: 

Hello.  It was recently told to me that it is an old Irish tradition to have something with a bee on it in each room of your house – this will bring you good luck.  Have you heard this before and is it true?  I am trying to locate any information on this.

 

 LINKS

Constitution avenue and the Monuments in Washington D.C. form the setting for the National Parade. Nowhere is there greater excitement on America's birthday than in the nation's capital. Find out more here:

http://www.july4thparade.com/

 

One of the most popular US destinations for Irish families,  it’s also one of the best places to be on Independence Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqEQDKkKatU&feature=fvw

 

We used to live in Bean Town and even die-hard proper Bostonians would let their hair down at the Hatch - the famous shell-shaped place on the Charles Rver where the annual July 4th concert always takes place.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwDtiIsnUZY

 

Some 5,000 members have already signed up to join this social networking site which aims to link the 80m people of Irish heritage across the world. Learn more about it here:

http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/16140/new-media/rendezvous-353

Anita Daly, their PR rep in NY,  sent us this link to a video that is getting tons of hts on You Tube. See what you think:

http://www.youtube.com/barleyjuicer

 

This time around, Vivian & Jack continue the  story about the maiden and the dog. Princess Flower and husband are living happily together but then misfortune strikes. Click on the link here to bring up Chapter 5.

http://www.irishpage.com/story/madra(5).htm

One of our most supportive advertisers, this company is owned by Jennifer Derrig who has asked us to spread the word about the 2010 Start Up Nation Competition which recognizes and rewards America’s top 200 mom-owned business. If you’dlike to find out more and then vote for Jennifer, please click:

http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/8333/index.php 

 

Emma Ross raises pure bred Irish Wolfhounds and also offers charming B & B accommodations in a tranquil setting reminiscent of Killarney. Take a look:

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Atravel/cnoccarne.html

 

Many thanks to Pamela Boyd who sent us the following: 

If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE 

housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment.    All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.   

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/ 

 

Do you know of a woman who can't afford a mammogram? Here's how you can help. Go to the Breast Cancer site and click on their free mammogram link; if they get enough clicks , they'll be able to donate at least one free mammogram a day to underprivileged women. It takes just a minute and there's no cost involved:

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com

ED. NOTE: Maria Eryaatz advises that free mammograms are also available in all states via the VNA (visiting nurses association). 

http://www.vnaa.org/

Click on 'Find A VNA' for the your nearest location.

 

Last but certainly not least - our ongoing gift to AG in California and all friends to animals, please click this link today and everyday. It only takes a second to feed an animal. Thanks!

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites.woa

 

It only takes a second to feed hungry people, too:

http://www.thehungersite.com

 

 

 QUIPS & QUOTES, PROVERBS  & TOASTS 

An Irishman will always soften bad news, so that a major coronary is no more than 'a bad turn' and a near hurricane that leaves thousands homeless is 'good drying weather'.

Hugh Leonard

 

Many thanks to Hartson who sent us the following:

Blarney is flattery so thin that we like it - as opposed to baloney which is flattery so thick that it can't be true.

 

Nine Out of Ten? 

Sean was meeting a friend at the pub and as he went in he noticed two pretty girls looking at him.  "Nine," he heard one whisper as he passed them.  Feeling pleased with himself, he  waggered over to his pal and told him a girl had just rated a nine out of ten. "I don't want to ruin it for you," his friend said, "but when I walked in, they were speaking German."

 

 

1. On July 4, 1921, Eamon De Valera ordered the Stars and Stripes to be flown over Dublin? It was to "emphasize the principle for which we are fighting."

2. On the eve of July 4 in the Centennial year of 1876, an Irish couple in New York named their new-born American Centennial Maloney?

3. On July 4 in 1905, the equestrian bronze statue of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher, leader of the Irish Brigade in the Civil War and later secretary and acting governor of Montana was unveiled on the Capitol grounds in Helena?

 

First off,  the answers to last month’s quiz:

 

1. The Irish Brigade in the Civil War by -Joseph G. Bilby

 2. Distant Drums: Irish Soldiers in Foreign Armies  by  Myles Dungan

 3. Clear the Confederate Way!: The Irish in the Army of Northern Virginia by  Kelly J. O'Grady

 

A tip of the hat and a pat on the back to the following Irish literary sleuths:

 

Hartson Dowd

Favourite Irish Site at the Moment is Discover  Ireland - Go where Ireland takes you. This website has awe-inspiring scenery, a fascinating history of far reaching traditions with distinctive culture.  Find out everything you want to know for an incredible vacation.

http://www.discoverireland.com/us/

 

Christine Seaholtz

 

Mary Ruggiero

Mary nominated Irish Culture and Customs as being one of her “absolute favorites.” Thanks Mary!

 

Helen Dowd

Helen has also gracioulsy nominated our site. We in turn, nominate hers. Please takeea look and if you enjoy your visit, please vote to make her the number one site on the the top Christian web sites. She is currently in second place. Thanks!

http://www.occupytillicome.com/

 

And now for our next quiz. Who wrote the following?

1. De Valera in America: The Rebel President and the Making of Irish Independence

2. Eamon de Valera: The man who was Ireland  

3. De Valera and His Times

Please send your answers to:

bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com

Don't forget to nominate a favorite Irish site and it would be helpful if you put "Know Your Writers" in the subject line of your e-mail. Thanks!

 

 

They hope you are enjoying your summer.  Meanwhile, they have been busy adding new gift items to respond to customers' requests including the American Tunes Tin Whistle Book and CD just in time for Independence Day celebrations, and of course the cleverly designed Ingrid Walking Stick Spike. The latest message tokens have arrived along with a range of unique rosaries in support of the military, police and firefighters. Please stop in their  online shop and have a look around. Happy browsing and shopping  - and they wish all of their visitors and customers a safe and happy summer.   

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?lollysmith+waspish+teandgrgi.html

 

 

To begin with, the answer to our  skull scratcher:  Three salesmen go into a hotel and ask for a room they can share. The clerk has just the thing they want for thirty dollars. The clerk sends them to the room, takes out the ledger, and realizes that he made a mistake. The room costs only twenty-five dollars. Now he has to divide five dollars evenly three ways. Can't be done. So the clerk pockets two

dollars, tells the salesmen that he made a three dollar mistake and gives them each a single. Now, each man paid only nine dollars for his share of the room. Nine times three equals twenty seven, plus the two in the clerk's pocket equals twenty nine. 

Q. Where's the other dollar?

There is no other dollar.  The $27 that the three paid is represented by $25 in the Hotel's till plus the $2 in the clerk's pocket.   

A. This classic poser always  manages to give  some people fits - in fact, our niece Maddie called us while she was on vacation in Florida begging for the solution because it was driving her crazy! That said, quite a few of our Riddle People were not misled by the way the problem was expressed and had no difficulty coming up with the answer. However, Congrats to Jas Turley  who was first in. Well done!

 

And now for our next Mind Mangler:

King Tut died 120 years after King Eros was born. Their

combined ages when they died was 100 years. King Eros died in

the year 40 B.C. In what year was King Tut born?

Please send your answer to:

bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com

It would be helpful if you put riddle answer in the subject line. Thanks!

 

 

 

1. SEARCH FUNCTION: Have you tried it out? You can find the search box in the banner on the left-hand side. Simply key in whatever word or words you wish and if they’re on the site, Google will find them!

 

Please keep in mind that every purchase through our shop links, helps support our efforts. Many thanks in advance.

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Shop/1Shop2.html

 

3.  Article:  A Dandy of an Irish Yankee

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMusic/GMCohan.html

4. Article: From Our Front Porch - July 4th

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMisc/FromFrontPorch.html

5. Article: A Taste of Ireland - Irish Coffee

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/aCoffee.html

6. Article: Tribute to Turlough

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMusic/OCarolan.html

7. Article:  Driving in Ireland - Part 1

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Atravel/Driving1.html

8. Article:  What the Twelvth Means To Me

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/12thJuly.html

 

9. Irish Kitchen: Nun’s Cake

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/rDessert3.html#NunsCake   

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Vacations.html

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/SoulTraps.html  

12. Music Review:  Our resident reviewer William Ramoutar offers a review of both a book & CD entitled “agus rud eile de - and another thing” - a collaboration by poet Louis de Paor and uilleann piper Ronan Browne

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMusic/Ramoutar/Andanotherthing.html

 13.  June  Trivia Contest. Time’s running out!  All entries must be in by midnight, June 30 no  matter what time zone you live in  

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaContest.html

Our winner for May was Bob Dennis from Northern Ireland who chose the dramatic Warrior Pendant generously donated by our friend Kristin, owner of the Celtic Attic:

http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?CSC&Affiliate=Bridget

 

14.  Circle of Prayer: The  third  Novena  in  this cycle began on June 24th and continues through July 2. Our list of those needing prayers has grown very long and probably needs to be updated. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs to be remembered in our prayers or meditations. Meanwhile, we do know that since last we wrote, our dear friends Hartson and Mickey were hospitaliized, but are now home; they are both great fighters, but they still need our spiritual  support. Also,  Tara H.. Patricia's daughter Heather, the family and friends of the McTiernans,  and so many others,   especially our military personnel serving their countries at home and abroad. Dear Heavenly Father, please keep them safe from all harm and bring those away from home back to their loved ones soon.

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Blessings/CirclePrayer.html 

 

 

SPONSOR: Please help us keep your newsletter coming - visit our good friends at the Irish Lottery:

 

In operation since 1988, it's one of the oldest online sites in the world. With subscribers in 89 countries it is also among the most reliable. Jackpots are never lower than US $1,500,000 and are frequently worth in excess of US$5,000,000 Here's the best part - you don't have to live in Ireland to play and all winnings are Tax Free! It’s always been a fantasy of ours that one of readers would scoop the big prize, but you can’t win it if you’re not in it. Play from the comfort of home here: - and the best of Irish luck to you!

http://www.irishlotto.net/

 

 

 

So there you have it until we write again, probably toward the end of July.  If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event between now and then, we hope it's an occasion filled with joy and happiness.  And if you were married in the coming month , here is your special verse:

 

They who in July do wed

Must always labor for their bread.

 

Not terribly romantic or auspicious, is it? We think it’s probably based on “Hungry July” - that was when the stores of food would start to run out, causing no end of anxiety for an Irish housewife .  It was said that a woman could hold her head high if she had managed the food so well she had enough to feed her family until the August harvest.     

 

We’ll ’ll take our leave with this lovely old blessing:

 

Like the gold of the sun, like the light of the day, may the luck of the Irish shine bright on your way. Like the glow of a star, and the lilt of a song may these be your joys all your life long.

And, as they say in Ireland, mind yourself. 

 

Slan agus beannacht 

 

Bridget & Russ

 

 

Get down on your knees and thank God you're still on your feet!

Celtic Blessing - sung by the St. Coca's Choir, from Kilcock, Co. Kildare

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrS3kYW6du4

 

And this is for our dear friend Mary O’Hara who asked us to bring this phrase back:

May you be seven times better, a year from today!!

 in the Irish

Go mba seacht bhfearr a bheas tu bliain o inniu!!

 

 

 

Help us keep our newsletter and the web site free; please send whatever you can to Bridget or Russ Haggerty. Our snail mail address is 5814 Blue Spruce, Cincinnati OH, 45224.  Or  you can send a donation via PayPal. The Url is:

http://www.paypal.com

and our account  is this email address:

bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com

Many thanks in advance for your kindness.

 

 

DID SOMEONE FORWARD THIS ISSUE TO YOU? Subscribe for FREE!

Send an e-mail to: bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com

or click on this link: 

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Newsletter.html

 

 

Please check with the Wild Geese - they have a huge listing of events and we don't want to duplicate their efforts:

http://www.thewildgeese.com/

 

Irish Abroad also has a comprehensive listing:

http://events.irishabroad.com/List.aspx?public=1&event=1

 

If we receive a unique event not mentioned there, we will be happy to list it here.

 

Fuengirola, Spain - Now through  31st July 

Explorations in Fuengirola. In this exhibition, Dublin artist Roger Cummiskey   shows images in Oil and Watercolour based on literary and historical themes and uses scenes reflecting the everyday imagery of the area. The painting themes include ideas taken from the writings and wanderings of James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and Miguel de Cervantes.  For more details, please click:

http://www.aia-group.net 

or

http://www.rogercummiskey.com

 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts - July 27th

The Sons of Erin Cape Cod and the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee have joined forces to sponsor the 2010 Cape Cod Irish Summerfest  at the Cape Cod Melody Tent on Tuesday, July 27th from 3-10 pm.  For complete details, please click: http://www.melodytent.org

 

Cincinnati, OH - Irish Heritage Center - Ongoing Events

The Irish Heritage Center the Home for all that is Irish in the tri-state area . From Traditional Irish Music Night to Irish lessons  to award winning plays to Irish art exhibits, there is always  something going on. For complete details about what’s on offer, please click

http://www.irishcenterofcincinnati.com 

or call 513-533-0100

 

 IRISH-AMERICAN CEILI CLUB 

Stay up to date with all the upcoming events and click here:

http://www.irishamericanceiliclub.com

Or call 754-281-7202 / 954-432-8292

 

Los Alamitos, California -1st Tuesday of every month

Friends of Ireland of Southern California Monthly Breakfast. Events are held on the 1st Tuesday of the month. Please call in RSVP to one of the contacts below one day in advance so we can accommodate you.

Barbara Walsh (714) 739-4195 Kathy Wisdom (714) 572-8277

Tom Kennedy (562) 425-2636 Jim O'Dea (626) 965-0307

 

Portland, Oregon - 1st Friday of the month

Ceili of the Valley Society - First Friday of the month Céilís and ongoing Tuesday night Céilí and Sean Nós dance classes. Our season runs from October through June and next season we may be moving the dances to Saturday rather than Friday nights. For more details, please click

http://www.myspace.com/ceiliofthevalley.

 

SLIGO EVENTS

http://twitter.com/sligoevents

 

 

 

 

1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.

 

2. Dogs don't notice if you call them by another dog's name.

 

3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.

 

4. A dog's parents never visit.

 

5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.

 

6. You never have to wait for a dog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.

 

7. Dogs find you amusing when you're drunk.

 

8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.

 

9. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask  If I died, would you get another dog??

 

10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.

 

11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.

 

12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad. They just think it's interesting.

 

13. Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

 

And last, but not least:

 

14. If a dog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.