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Welcome to the Irish Culture & Customs newsletter which is published every weekend and sent out to more than 1400 readers all over the world. You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for it - God Bless you! If you'd like to read past issues, they are archived at: http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com/pubarchive.php?Herself
If, for any reason, you wish to unsubscribe, instructions are at the end - but we do hope you'll stay with us.
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Greetings and blessings to all,
A warm welcome back and a special hello to our new readers. Thanks for signing up and we do hope you will share our meanderings with your family and friends. We hope this edition finds everyone in good health, good spirits and good company. As for us, this is the weekend we're taking Russ' mom home to Florida for the winter. We'll stay a day or so to get her settled in and then it will be back to Ohio by next Thursday or Friday. It's hard to believe that she's been here for three months - it's gone by so fast.
We had such a good time that Bridget has sorely neglected her writing. Music for an Irish Wedding still waits in the wings and we apologise for that. But there's always something good that comes out of our procrastination. "Irish Jule" has been a subscriber for more that two years. She's right here in town, and saint's preserve, she has two daughters engaged. If all goes well, arrangements will be made for us to meet and personally present her with a copy of the wedding book which has an extensive section on music. This doesn't mean we'll hold up on the article for much longer. Look for it when we get back from our trip.
As for the past week in the Ohio Valley, shorter days and cooler nights have set the stage for Mother Nature's annual fireworks display. Almost overnight, what was green yesterday is now gold, red, bronze and yellow. For the "leaf peepers" in our region, the peak will be within the next week or so. Nevertheless, for us, it will still make for a visually delightful journey as we make our way down south.
Wishing they could come with us (we're making this up) are the parents of our new grandson. (May be we're not making this up). Fievel Owen is taking after his dad. One month old today, he's waking 'em up about every two hours. They're not happy. He's not happy. Best part of this scenario ? We're not losing any shut-eye! In any event, TG, he's as healthy as a horse and eating like one. Enough about us....
In news from Ireland:
Co. Mayo - The Achill Island Paul Henry Weekend is under way, commemorating the artist's stay on the Co Mayo Island from 1910 to 1919.
Co. Dublin - A businessman in hearty mood, pointing to a bar stool, is calculated to quip to an arriving crony: "Take a pew." At the corner of Mary Street and Jervis Street, across the road from the old Jervis Street Hospital, every yuppie in Dublin may be taking a pew before long. St Mary's Church, purchased some years ago by local publican, John Keating, is in the process of being turned into a bar and restaurant.
Co. Kildare - A man from Kildare has just collected his winnings from last Saturday's jackpot worth ¤2.5m. The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought his winning ¤6 quick pick ticket in Mahon's Centra, Melitta, Kildare town.
Co. Galway - One of Galway's newest and most modern hostels, Sleepzone, located beside Roches Stores Shopping Centre on Bóthar na mBan, has been ranked in the Top Ten Hostels Worldwide for three consecutive months by travellers booking hostels through international booking engine, hostelworld.com
Also in Galway, the Poor Clares, an order of nuns who have taken vows of chastity, poverty and obedience have launched their own website. Sister Louis, the abbess of the order's monastery at Nuns' Island in the city said the website would offer hope "in a world overshadowed by consumerism."
And Sea Week begins in Letterfrack next weekend with an impressive line up of well known traditional music players, marine experts, and activities in store. Musicians set to take part include the box player Marillo Murray, the Kane sisters, the Four Star Trio, and the Monks of the Screw with box player Johnny Connolly.
Link of the week:
Celebrating a birthday? Eileen sent us a link to traditions from Ireland and all over the world:
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/irishbirthdays.htm
From the mailbag:
Irish Heritage member, Marty, sent this tip: never go to Ireland with 100 dollar bills. They will not exchange them if you don't an account in their bank.
One of our readers, Jack Hennessy has a great site called the Irish Page. He's just posted a lovely ballad called Bheir mé ó. Turn on your speakers and click here:
http://www.irishpage.com/songs/bheirmeo.htm
Fair warning - it's sad, so have the tissues handy.
You'll see an unusual sponsor in this week's issue. A couple in Dublin need to sell their cottage in a hurry, so they're enlisting our help. We'll be running their ad for the next month and we do hope you will click through on the link. It really is a beautiful place. Bridget mentioned the custom of burying a statue of St. Joseph to help sell a house and the couple was curious. Here's a link to a site we found that offers a kit:
http://www.totallycatholic.com/favorites.html
The Irish Aires radio show is in its 20th year on KPFT-FM (90.1), a non-profit, community radio station in Houston that has been on the air for 33 years.Irish The program, which you can hear through its website at http://kpftweb.mcleodusa.net/kpft.smi
gets over 90% of its support from individual contributions and it has just launched its fall fund drive. Any and all contributions would be greatly appreciated.
We've blithered and blathered long enough - on with the update!
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Help keep our newsletter free by visiting one of our sponsors for this week's edition: Carmel & Joe Mulligan
Dreaming of owning a house in Ireland? Here's your chance!
For Sale: Charming country cottage on a 1/4 acre near Saggart Co. Dublin, which is a rare find so close to the capital (just 13 miles from Dublin City Centre). It is also conveniently located just 6 miles from Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Local amenities include swimming, golf, fishing and hillwalking. The house includes many original features such as 8ft 6inch high ceilings and original wooden floors. A Quick Sale Is Required. Just the location alone is well worth further enquiries. For more information, please contact lorrainemulligan@eircom.net
To see photos of the house and for a complete description, please click http://www.remax-ireland.com/pubscripts/ListingFull.asp?AgentId=90401002&ListingId=174&Lang=ENI
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IN THIS ISSUE:
A Bit of The Wit
Joke of The Week
Did You Know?
Quotes & Quips
Know Your Irish Writers & Books?
Riddle
New This Week
The Week Ahead
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A BIT O' THE WIT
Bernard Shaw is an excellent man; he has not an enemy in the world, and none of his friends like him. Oscar Wilde
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OUR FAVORITE JOKE OF THE WEEK
With thanks to Brendan Sharkie from Belfast:
Two Irish women walking through the forest one day hear a voice coming from near a log."Help me." They lifted the log and underneath found a frog. "Help me " said the frog "I am an investment banker turned into a frog by an evil curse. I need to be kissed by a woman and I will turn back into an investment banker." One of the women grabbed the frog and stuffed it into her handbag. Aghast, her friend said, "Did you not hear the frog? He needs to to be returned to being an investment banker." "Listen", her friend said."these days a talking frog is worth a lot more than an investment banker."
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DID YOU KNOW...
1. Count Dracula was created by the Dublin writer Bram Stoker?
2. Ireland's Atlantis, the legendary city of Hy Brasyl, is reputed to lie beneath the waters of Carlingford Lough?
3. Thespian suspicion over Macbeth - usually referred to as 'the Scottish play' - is thought to date from the time of the Irish actor-manager Spranger Barry (1719-1777)? Famous for his portrayal of the evil king, his life was dogged by personal problems, law suits and agonising gout and he died in poverty.
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QUIPS, QUOTES & ANECDOTES - PROVERBS, CURSES AND TOASTS, TOO
I like men who have a future and women who have a past. Oscar Wilde
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KNOW YOUR IRISH WRITERS & IRISH-RELATED BOOKS?
The answers for last week:
1. A Spooky Irish Tale for Children by Eddie Lenihan
2. Ghosts in Irish Houses by James Reynolds
3. Irish Ghosts and Hauntings by Michael Scott
In the words of one Irish emcee, clap your feet for:
Debbie R
One of my favorite websites is Old Ireland found at
http://www.ireland.org
It has wonderful old photos and some interesting history
Hartson Dowd
Some Irish Wit & Wisdom...
http://islandireland.com/Pages/folk/sets/sayings.html
Ellen Parodi
Namely Gifts at http://namelygifts.com
Personalized Name Keepsakes and Gifts
Something for every name on your gift list!
Featuring Halloween and Our Everyday Heroes
Patricia Edwards
Helen Dowd
Mission Magazine has been newly renovated. There are many stories, articles and poetry for you to enjoy. Click on: http://missionmagazine.tdlofton-ministries.net/mag/ This will take you to the main page where you can view the literature. Need an angel today? Visit my website at: http://www.occupytillicome.com/literary.html for your choice of reading.
Déirdre McKiernan-Hetzler
Interested in exploring "real Irish culture and history?" Take a look at our most recent tour itinerary and then request a brochure; we'll be glad to send you one as soon as they're back from the printer. In the meantime, we'd be happy to email you the itinerary.
http://www.irishbook.com/tourinfo.htm
Pat Murphy
Biddy McGraw's the Pacific Northwest's only authentic Irish pub and the home 'O the "perfect" pint':
http://www.biddys.com
Want to see your name and favorite site on our list? Try to find the following authors - we assure you, it's really easy! Who wrote:
1. Yeat's Ghosts
2. Irish Ghost Stories of Sheridan Le Fanu
3. Irish Ghosts and Hauntings
Hint: All three titles can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=irishcultucus-20&path=tg/detail/-/0192880705/qid%3D1065871274/sr%3D1-5
Send us the correct answers to two out of three and the rewards are:
1. If you have a web site, send us your URL plus a short description and we'll publish it in the next newsletter. If you don't have a web site, please nominate a favorite. Also, please remember that we list our sleuths in the order of entries received.
2. Receive a correct entry into the current "So You Think You're Irish" trivia contest. (In fairness to those of you who go to the trouble of actually finding the answers to the trivia contest, you'll get a bonus entry!)
3. Click through on the Hint URL above, tell us the title and earn another entry into the Trivia drawing.
NOTE: It would be very helpful if you would send your entries to: bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
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THIS WEEK'S RIDDLE
We must confess to giving you a trick poser last time:
Think of words ending in -GRY. Angry and hungry are two of them. There are only three words in the English language. What is the third word? The word is something that everyone uses every day. If you have listened carefully, I have already told you what it is. The answer is "language"
We had dozens of entries and we especially appreciate Hartson and Bill for their effort in researching the origins. First in with the coorect answer though was Debbie R, aka Mollie. Well done.
And now for this week's head banger - and we promise, it's legit!
If you were blindfolded and placed in front of a large bowl containing $50, $20, $10 and $5 bills, and you were allowed to take one bill at a time until you have taken four bills of the same denomination, what would be the largest amount of money you could draw?
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NEW OR FEATURED ON OUR HOME PAGE:
1. Home Page - See what's new at a glance:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/index.html
2. New: CD Review - Never Say No To A Jar
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Libr/zNotoaJar.html
3. New: Library - 12 Irish Ghost Stories by Patricia Craig
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Libr/1BkMisc1.html
4. Featured: Oscar Wilde Remembered
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AWriters/OscarWilde.html
5. Featured: The Dullahan, Ireland's Headless Horseman
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/Dullahan.html
6. Featured: An Irish Hallowe'en - Part 1
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/Halloween1.html
7. Ongoing: Circle of Prayer. Our first Novena in this cycle ends on October 13th and the next one begins on October 14th. Please pray or meditate for Dianne DiMella, Claire Spellmire, Bob, C.J., Christopher, Sam, Steven & Margaret, Priscilla's family, the Mulligans, and our military personnel stationed all over the world, especially in Iraq. Whatever your spiritual leanings, we hope you will join us each day
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Blessings/CirclePrayer.html
8. On-going: Irish News: Headlines for the past week
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/01News/Home.html
9. On-going: This month in Irish History:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/02Hist/9September.html
10. Trivia Contest - all entries must be in by midnight, October 31st, whatever time zone you are in.
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaContest.html
NEXT WEEK, GOD WILLING:
We're out the door. The blessing for the week has been posted but we won't be doing anything else until we return.
So there you have it for another week. Just a few more bits and pieces before we leave: We got a bit ahead of ourselves last time and wished a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Canadian readers on October 13th, which is also Columbus Day in the US. The good wishes still stand and safe journey if you'll be out on the roads for the holiday. Also from our calendar: Today is Dia De La Raza in Latin America, the 14th is Discoverer's Day in Hawaii, the 15th is World Poetry Day and National Grouches Day, the 16th is World Food Day (UN) and Dictionary Day (birthday of Noah Webster), the 17th is National Pasta Day and the 18th is Alaska Day as well as National Chocolate Cupcake Day!
Until next time, may God hold you in the palm of His hand and may you and yours enjoy bountiful blessings.
All the best - and as they say in Ireland - mind yourself!
Bridget & Russ
Get down on your knees and thank God you're still on your feet
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Help us keep this newsletter free by visiting the The Irish Lottery:
Remember the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes? It was replaced by the Irish Lotto in 1988. Since then it has become one of the most trusted lotteries in the world. Drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Best of all, you don't have to live in Ireland to play and all winnings are tax-free. Do you have the luck of the Irish? Play the Irish lottery and prove it! Please click here for full details:
http://www.irishlotto.net
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Our email address there is bnhaggerty@cinci.rr.com. And many thanks in advance for your kindness!
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Events & Classifieds
Note: To avoid duplication, we list only those events not mentioned in the comprehensive listing put together by The Wild Geese. To check their Events Page, please click: http://www.thewildgeese.com/pages/events.html
The Irish Heritage Newsletter also lists events - if you'd like to subscribe, just send a note to George at Steeler059@aol.com
And, if you're in Ireland, or lucky enough to be visiting, you can see what's on offer for October here:
http://www.emigrant.ie/Event.asp
The Voyage of the Jeanie Johnston
On Thursday, October 16, she will arrive in St. John`s, Newfoundland - her last port of call on this epic voyage. On October 23, she will depart for her return passage to Ireland. For more details, please click
http://www.jeaniejohnston.com/ports.asp?portid=26
Irish Writer's Centre - Dublin
The Autumn - Winter Course Brochure is now available . For more details, contact Bernadette Larkin at bernadette@writerscentre.ie, or visit their website:
http://www.writerscentre.ie
Samhain International Poetry Festival Friday 31 October & Mon 3 November in Gort a'Choirce, Co. Donegal. Email: info@samhainpoetrycompetition.com
or info@maggiedans.com
Boston
The Alumni Association of Institute of Technology Sligo launches its Boston chapter at 7.30pm on October 16, in The Boston College Club, 100 Federal Street, Downtown Boston. Meet Dr Richard
Thorn, Director of Institute of Technology Sligo, make new friends and renew old contacts. For more details, contact Chairperson Karen Kdavitt@manuflifeusa.com or Adette Ring, Careers and Graduates Officer, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ireland - adette@itsligo.ie.
SoutEast Texas
November 9, 2003
Danny O'Flaherty, Irish singer/songwriter, will appear at a special benefit performance at the Julie Rogers Theater. For ticket information, call 982-4140 (weekdays) and 722-7298 (evenings and weekends).
Song and Silence: A Weekend with the Celtic Saints - November 21-23
Pendle Hills, Wallingford, PA
For more information or to register, please contact our registrar, Steve Jackson, at ext. 142, (610) 566-4507 or (800) 742-3150, or e-mail him at registrar@pendlehill.org. If you have access to the Internet, please check out our website:
http://www.pendlehill.org
Ancient Order of Hibernians Historical Tour of Ireland
January 27, 04- February 4, 04
There are still seats available on this tour. The deadline has been extended until October 15, 2003 to make your deposit. This has been a fantastic trip in the past and is shaping up to be another great adventure. Organized in conjunction with Our Lady of Knock Division No. 2; Ancient Order of Hibernians, Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, please call James V. Magee, Jr., President (513) 621-9660
Texas Dulcimer Cruise - February 5-9, 2004
Galveston to Cozumel on the Carnival Celebration. There will be workshops, jam sessions, talent show and more. These spots will go fast, so book early! Inside cabins are $430.80 pp, double occupancy and oceanview cabins are $480.80 pp, double occupancy. Delesandri Tours, booking agent for this trip Ask for Marcy: 281-535-5703 or e-mail marcy@delesandri.com
Galveston, Texas
March 28, 03
Galveston 1894 Grand Opera House - James
Galway, flautist Sunday March 28, 2004 3pm
Cais Conference/Reunion - May 26-29, 2004
Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
The theme is "Mother Tongues: The Languages of Ireland."
For details, please click
http://www.irishstudies.ca
6th Int'l McManus Clan Association Gathering May 25th through May 31st, 2004
For full details please visit our website at:
http://members.aol.com/manusclan/mcm2004.htm or contact Phil McManus at Manus@aol.com
7th Clann McKenna Rally - June 25th through Sunday June 27th 2004
For details, please write plunkettmckenna@eircom.net
or click on the following link:
www.omagh.gov.uk/historypark.htm
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