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Welcome to the Irish Culture & Customs newsletter which is published every weekend and sent out to nearly 1300 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,
O spirit sweet of summertime, bring back the roses to the dells, the swallow from her distant clime, the honey bee from drowsy cells. Bring back the singing, bring the scent of meadow-lands at dewy prime; oh! bring again my heart's content, thou spirit sweet of summertime.
Those lovely words by William Allingham are the perfect opener for this week's edition. Since last we wrote, St. Swithin's Day came and went; it was a bit wet on the day itself, which, if you believe in the old superstition, means 40 days of rain. But, the past few days have been the best of the summer so far - comfortable temperatures in the low to mid 80s, hardly any humidity, and blue skies with just a few, fluffy white clouds. Such balmy weather is very unusual for July in our part of the world and it's hard to believe that while we were basking, some parts of Europe were broiling - in fact, Ireland recorded its highest temperatures of the year. On July, 16, the temperature reached 27degrees Celsius (80 degrees F) in Derry and Antrim. Doesn't sound so bad - if you're used to it!
We do hope, wherever you are and whatever season you're in, today finds you in good health, good spirits and in good company. As for ourselves, we've settled into our usual routine when Mom is here - evenings spent watching movies. It's not something we normally do; we're always too busy trying to catch up with work on the web-site and other things. But it makes for a very pleasant change; Bridget toddles off to the local library every few days and selects our viewing material. Russ grumbles a bit when she brings back an armload of "chick flicks", but, for the most part, she's considerate of his penchant for well-done drama and Mom's appetite for action-filled blow 'em ups. One of the highlights of the week's entertainment was seeing Pierce Brosnan's "Evelyn" for the first time. Excellent movie and well worth renting or borrowing. If you're interested, you can also buy it through the site. This is the URL for the DVD, which is a lot less expensive than the VHS version:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=irishcultucus-20&path=tg/detail/-/B00008DDVT/qid%3D1058711711/sr%3D1-1
We should also mention the book, Tea and Green Ribbons, which was written by the real Evelyn Doyle and is a memoir of her childhood. We have that one too, and here's the URL:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743242599/ref=ase_irishcultucus-20/002-8656081-1529652?v=glance&s=books
Later this week, Bridget hopes to do a review of the movie - it's that good!
Speaking of reviews, another highlight of the week was the opportunity for us to listen to a new CD called "Wall of Tears." It's a compilation of music by Irish and American musicians who are donating all the proceeds to the Irish American Disaster Relief Fund - an organization which is assisting the families of loved ones who were lost on 9/11. Can it really be nearly two years since that terrible day? In any event, the recording is marvelous and we hope you will read the review and then listen to some of the samples we found for you on amazon. The URL for the review is listed later on, under our new and republished items.
So...where were you on July 20, 1969? Can it be possible that 34 years has gone by since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon? Back then, many of us believed that by now, we'd be taking routine trips to the stars!
Meanwhile, as always, the mailbag brought interesting messages. Among them was a request for the rest of the words to a poem that starts out: "Pick the primrose, sister Kate, pick as many as you can, but....." The reader who made the request says that it was the favorite poem of her grand-da who emigrated to the USA from Co. Meath in 1890. We did a wee bit of hunting on the net, but no luck so far. Anyone willing to take up the challenge? If you do find it, please let us know.
In news from Ireland, hundreds of farmers turned up to view the state-run organic farm in Athenry, Co Galway. Apparently, organic farming in Ireland has come of age, and is no longer the province of the Dutch and Germans who came to the island for a quiet life in the 1970s, or the so-called "brown ricers" or the vegetarians!
In Dublin, Pikemen and women from around the country gathered to commemorate the bicentenary of Robert Emmet's execution. Armed with traditional pikes, the group made their way from Smithfield to St. Patrick's Cathedral through the streets, stopping at St. Catherine's Church, Thomas Street, to lay two wreaths. A plaque outside St. Catherine's reads: "In the roadway opposite this tablet, Robert Emmet died in the cause of Irish Freedom, 20th September 1803." You might be wondering why 400 pikemen, dressed in grandfather shirts and waistcoats, were marching on Bastille Day, July 14. The explanation is that the United Irishmen, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution in 1789, had celebrated Bastille Day in 1803. However, the authorities were alerted to Emmet's insurrectionary plans and had arrived in Smithfield before the rebels when the rising took place on July 23rd of the same year.
On Achill Island, around 4,000 pilgrims came over for the tenth anniversary of Christina Gallagher's House of Prayer. Since it opened in 1993, the house in Co. Mayo has attracted 10,000 visitors annually, anxious to hear the message of its founder. Christina Gallagher claims to have the stigmata wounds of Christ on her feet and to have received divine messages from Our Lady. Another special prayer service will be held this coming week. According to Noel Guinan, manager of the house, "Our Blessed Mother asked Christina to hold a special day of prayer on July 25, which is to be called Our Lady's Fraternity Day."
In other news, last week we reported on the bitter lawsuit between several major Irish recording artists and Green Linnet. This week, we learned that Lúnasa has settled their dispute with them. Fingers crossed, that will be the case for the other musicians, as well.
Jim Gaffey from Atlanta wrote to tell us about a great week that was held there, recently. The very top of Atlanta business turned out to hear Ambassador-Consul General Eugene Hutchinson talk on "Ireland Today" and His Excellency, Ambassador Noel Fahey cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Enterprise Ireland's "Design Gallery Ireland." To top off the week, The Chieftains entertained at Chastain Park on Friday night. Also, AOL/Time Warner has been doing/taking pictures of "Irish Faces" around the city. To learn more, here's the link to the Irish Atlanta website: http://www.irishatlanta.com
Well, here we are, three pages into the newsletter and we're still on the intro! So....enough of the nattering and on with the update......
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Enter the Summer Cooler Spectacular giveaway and you could win a gift basket containing a Handpainted Ice Tea Pitcher, 2 Glasses, Irish or Scottish Tea, Shortbread, Irish Candy Treats bag, Suncatcher & a Keychain! Click here to enter:
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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
He knows nothing; and he thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political career. George Bernard Shaw
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OUR FAVORITE JOKE OF THE WEEK
This one came in from Judith F - thanks!
Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the lady all dressed in white?" "Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life. The child thought about this for a moment, then said, "So why is the man wearing black?"
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DID YOU KNOW...
1. The original Abbey Theatre in Dublin was opened in 1904 on the site of a morgue?
2. The world's most northerly vineyard is in Mallow, Co. Cork?
3. The ancestors of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, were from County Fermanagh?
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QUIPS, QUOTES & ANECDOTES - PROVERBS & TOASTS, TOO
Bigamy is having one wife/husband too many. Monogamy is the same.
Oscar Wilde
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KNOW YOUR IRISH WRITERS & IRISH-RELATED BOOKS?
The answers to last week's quiz:
1. Cuchulain of Muirthemne - The Story of the Men of the Red Branch of Ulster by Lady Gregory
2. Passing the Time in Ballymenone: Culture and History of an Ulster Community by Henry H. Glassie
3. One Belfast Boy by Alan O'Connor & Patricia McMahon
A tip of the hat to:
Helen Dowd
Need an angel today? Visit my website at: http://occupytillicome.online-ministries.com/ Stories and articles on a multitude of subjects: children, recipes, pets, family, inspirational, Bible study, and more.
Hartson Dowd
A good Irish Site -Irish Aires is Houston's only 100% Irish Music and News show. It is broadcast every Saturday evening on KPFT-FM (90.1FM) between 6:30PM and 7:30 PM Central US Time. (12:30 PM on Sunday morning in Ireland
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Irish_Aires/homepage.htm
Ellen Parodi
Namely Gifts at http://namelygifts.com
Personalized Name Keepsakes and Gifts
Something for every name on your gift list!
Featuring Babies & Children and Our Everyday Heroes
Judith Flynn
http://www.theblissfactory.com/index.shtml
Dallas Franklin - Sell Writing Online
http://sellwritingonline.com <http://sellwritingonline.com
The Writing Resources and Writing Markets sections share publishing companies, writing contests, writers markets, freelance writing jobs, and join the Free newsletters packed with more writing opportunities and information.
Déirdre McKiernan-Hetzler
According to Terry Flynn Tours of Ireland, who has the longest continuously running tour from the States to Ireland? The McKiernans of Irish Books &
Media:
http://www.irishbook.com/tours.htm
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. Magpie Cottage - Summers in Ireland
2. St. Therese in Ireland: Official Diary of the Irish visit, April-July
3. Protest in Arms - The Young Ireland Rebellion of July-August 1848
1. Hint: All three titles can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0765307103/ref=ase_irishcultucus-20/002-8656081-1529652
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!)
NOTE: It would be very helpful if you would send your entries to: bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
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THIS WEEK'S RIDDLE
The answer to last week's is:
What always ends everything? The letter g. Congrats to all who came up with the correct answer. And now for this week's head-banger:
This was sent in by Mary S. (Thanks, Mary!)
When is a pillow like a pint of Guinness?
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NEW OR REPUBLISHED FROM OUR INDEX THIS PAST WEEK:
1. Home Page - See what's new at a glance:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/index.html
2. Article: Gregory Peck's Irish Connections
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMisc/GregoryPeck.html
3. Music Review - Wall of Tears
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Libr/zWallTears.html
4. Irish Landmarks - The Abbey Theatre
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ALandmks/AbbeyTheatre.html
5. A Taste of Ireland - Irish Coffee. This is an updated version with more history.
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/aCoffee.html
6. A Tribute to Jimmy Kennedy. It's his birthday today (7/20) so here's the link to the article about him and all the great songs he wrote
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMusic/jimmyKennedy.html
7. The Irish Kitchen - Irish Pork Pie - plus an addendum to the Cucumber Pickle Recipe
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/1Home.html
8. Poetry Page - Russ has put up some very summery reading. Scroll down the page and enjoy!
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Poetry/1Home.html
9. Circle of Prayer. We are in Novena #1 of a new cycle which began last Wednesday and will continue through July 24. We have posted the dates for all nine Novenas in this new cycle. No specific prayer requests this week, but the news from Iraq isn't good, so please keep our American and British soldiers in your prayers or meditations
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Blessings/CirclePrayer.html
10. Irish News: Headlines for the past week
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/01News/Home.html
11. This month in Irish History:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/02Hist/6June.html
12. Don't forget to enter the Trivia Contest. Just another week or so to go. All entries must be in by midnight on July 31, whatever time zone you are in
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaContest.html
NEXT WEEK, GOD WILLING:
Bridget's still working on Hungry July and now, with all the attention being given to the racehorse, Sea Biscuit, she's thinking it's about time she did something on horses in Irish history and culture; no promises, though! You can always count on a new blessing which was posted today, a new quote on Wednesday and we'll have another recipe from Hartson toward the end of the week. We'll also have a new Irish lesson on Tuesday - this one's on words and phrases related to weddings.
Are we done yet? Not quite! If you're in the states, did you sign up with the no-call registry? Our friend Audrey passed along a message from a friend who received a postcard in the mail that said "Vote for your favorite cola - Pepsi or Coke- and receive a complementary 12 pack" It didn't look suspicious--but for some reason, her friend kept looking at it. Then she found it. At the bottom of the card there was a VERY small statement which said: "By completing this form, you agree that sponsors and co-sponsors of this offer may telephone you, even if your number is found on a do not call registry or list." Pretty nefarious, don't you think? Anyway, fair warning. And thanks, Audrey, for bringing this to our attention.
One more thing and then we'll close - we promise! We had a very nice uptick in subscribers and we're just about to shoot over the 1300 mark. Next big goal is 2000. A warm welcome to all of our new readers and do please forward our meanderings on to family and friends.
And to all of you, many thanks for allowing us this time with you. In the coming days, we pray that you and yours will be showered with an abundance of God's blessings and that He will keep you from all harm. But do give Him a little help, as well - as they say in Ireland, mind yourself!
All the best,
Bridget & Russ
Get down on your knees and thank God you're still on your feet
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Help support our efforts by visiting one of our favorite sponsors: Celtic Shamrock!
What's "Nua"? Come take a look at our latest offerings, including Pewter hair ties and Celtic toe rings! Also check out our lovely array of Irish apparel, as well as a wide range of items featuring family crests. Fly the flag with pride, but make it extra special with your family's Coat of Arms in the center! From Irish art to Irish weddings, we're confident you'll find what you're looking for at Celtic Shamrock. Plus, we're offering a 15% discount on orders of $50.00 or more. Just insert the Code #29206 in the box on the check-out form. We hope you enjoy your visit and will come back often.
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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
COVINGTON, KY
This evening 7-10pm- July 20 -A Midsummer Celtic Music Treat!
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Glee Club, Silver Arm (with John Sherman) and the
Celtic Rhythm Dancers are joining forces to put on a great party to raise money for Cincinnati Folk Life in their efforts to fund this year's Celtic Festival.
Jack Quinn's Irish Alehouse, Emerald Ballroom (Third Floor), 4th & Courts Streets, Covington, KY. Admission $8.00 per person, Cash bar.
THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANIE JOHNSTON
Providence, Rhode Island
Friday, July 18 to Monday, July 21
Boston, Massachusetts
Friday, July 25 to Sunday to August 3
For more details, please click: http://www.jeaniejohnston.ie/voyage.asp?id=3
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul US Tour Dates - July
July 21 - Ocean City NJ - Ocean City Music Pier
July 29 - Cleveland OH - Cain Park Summer Arts Series
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Irish Fest 2003
Saturday July 26, Noon till 10:00 p.m
A Family Event Celebrating with Sioux Falls' Sister City of Strabane, Northern Ireland! For more event information call Jo at 605-334-2317 or email@irish.org
Cultural Holidays on Inis Mór
Walking the Ancient Celtic Way - August 2-9 2003
For more information, please click: http://www.irish-culture.ch
William Carleton Summer School - Monday 4 Friday - 8 August
Corick House, a 17th century house mentioned in Carleton's writings and situated in the Clogher Valley. For further information log onto www.williamcarletonsummerschool.org
The Brendan Kennelly Summer Festival 7-10 August 2003
kennellysummerfestival@ireland.com
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
Festival of World Cultures - August 22-August 24
Arts festival celebrating cultural diversity through an extravaganza of internationally acclaimed acts including music, film, circus, theatre, dance performances, club nights, markets, exhibitions, workshops & children's activities.
http://www.festivalofworldcultures.com
Irish Writers Center, Dublin, Ireland
New Creative Writing Courses at IWC have been announced for the month of August. For more information, please contact Bernadette Larkin: bernadette@writerscentre.ie
http://www.writerscentre.ie
Let Me Take You To the Island 2003
The Rathlin week-end will take place on the 5th -7th September
Scriobh Literary Festival, Sligo 11 & 14 September 2003
Tel. +353 71 41405
Samhain International Poetry Festival Friday 31 October & Mon 3 November in Gort a'Choirce, Co. Donegal. Email: info@samhainpoetrycompetition.com
or info@maggiedans.com
A Celtic Pilgrimage to Sacred Ireland
Sept 30 - Oct 8 2003
Learn. Pray. Observe. Meditate. Eat. Explore. Experience the beauty and mystery of Ireland in a unique spiritual journey to the Emerald Isle's sacred sites. For more details, please click
http://www.beliefnet.com/features/ireland_main.html
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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