Greetings & Blessings to all,
Welcome to our February edition. We hope this issue finds you and yours in good spirits, good health and good company - and if you’re receiving the newsletter for the first time, go raibh maith agat for signing up. We hope you enjoy our musings and meanderings, and if so, please feel free to share them with your family and friends.
Since last we wrote, we received many messages in favour of the new larger type size, so we are staying with it. We also received a boatload of greeting cards on St. Brigid’s Day and valentine’s Day - many thanks for thinking of us.
B-List Pub Quiz
Our mention of the Pub Quiz last time also brought in several responses from readers who would like to participate. If you are one of those folks, we will be contacting you individually to let you know what might be the best way to go about doing it. And for those of you who might be scratching your heads wondering what we are talking about - for the past year or so, we have been providing a quiz every Tuesday night for our son’s bar. Ben is co-owner of the the B-List in Bellevue, KY. Many of our readers are quiz enthusiasts and we’re thinking of a way they could participate. It’s easy enough if you live close by the bar, but what if you live thousands of miles away? Let us know if you might be interested Just send Bridget an email with Bar Quiz in the subject line
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
HELP!
We launched our Annual Appeal last month and thus far, out of nearly 5000 subscribers, we have received only 24 donations. While we don’t expect thousands of contributions, the response this year has taken us totally by surprise. We’ve done a good bit of soul searching and may be the time has come to kick ourselves in the rear and do more to warrant your support. So, we have embarked on a strategy to update the site - especially our history section which came to a standstill when Bridget went into the hospital. In fact, we’d like to add a fresh twist to that section by publishing the birthdays of our readers. So, send us your birth date or a loved ones (and the place of birth) and we will add your entry to This Date in Irish History. After all, don’t you think your name and birthday are worthy of saving for posterity?
Russ has also made a pledge to add to the poetry section and we will be doing our best as time permits, to start writing more articles. The counties, for example, have been sorely neglected and it’s our intention to get those going again. Furthermore, we will continue to try and improve on the newsletter - if you have any suggestions, we welcome your input - that goes for the web site as well.
Will any of this make a difference to whether or not you send us a small donation? Maybe not. But we sure hope so as we need to know you care about our efforts and want to see the newsletter and the web site continue.
As in previous years, all we are requesting is one dollar. If we get a 100% response, it will be more than enough to cover our yearly out of pocket costs. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so via PayPal
http://www.paypal.com
Our account is the following email address:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
Or you can send a donation by mail to
Bridget & Russ Haggerty
5814 Blue Spruce La
Cincinnati OH 45224.
Any amount is welcome and all donations of $5.00 or more will receive this green satin ribbon book mark featuring a gold-tone metal shamrock charm. Alternatively, our lucky Irish blessing tokens are still available.
As an added incentive, all donors’ names will be put into a drawing to win an Irish CD or Irish related book. Ten names will be selected on St. Patrick’s Day.
Many thanks in advance for your kindness.
Onwards. The St. Patrick’s Day countdown has begun! It’s hard to believe that we’re just days away from celebrating our favourite day/week/month of the year. We’ll be attending the annual Blarney Bash given by the O’Flaherty’s (Bridget’s brother Chris and sister in law Therese) and we’ve also been invited to sit in the viewing stand at Cincinnati’s parade thanks to Mary of the Gael (you know who you are!) Fingers crossed and God willing the weather will cooperate; as of right now, in our Ohio Valley, all the snow has gone, the daffodils are up, the snowdrops are in bloom and numerous skeins of geese are becoming a daily occurrence. Is spring in the air? Russ likes to quote Aldo Leopold from A Sand County Almanac:
“One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving the murk of a March thaw, is the spring. A cardinal, whistling spring to a thaw but later finding himself mistaken, can retrieve his error by resuming his winter silence. A chipmunk, emerging for a sunbath, but finding a blizzard, has only to go back to bed. but a migrating goose, staking two hundred miles of black night on the chance of finding a hole in the lake, has no easy chance for retreat. His arrival carries the conviction of a prophet who has burned his bridges.”
Enough of the blitherin’ - on with the update!
IN THIS ISSUE:
News: The County News for January will be sent on February 28
From the Mailbag
Links
Quotes, Toasts, Curses & Blessings
Joke of The Week
A Bit of the Wit
Did You Know
Know Your Writers
Riddle
The week That Is
Events
Leave 'em Laughing
SPONSOR: Help support this newsletter and our web site by visiting our friends at The Celtic Attic:
Only a few more shopping weeks until St. Patrick's Day! We have hats, sunglasses, tee shirts and a wide variety of fun products plus a ton of great products for your shopping pleasure. Take 10% off your order now at the Celtic Attic. The discount will be removed AFTER you place your order. We will be processing all credit cards in the store so that we can take make any price adjustments. Plus get a candy bag with each and every order.
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://www.celticattic.com/treasures/home_decor/shamrocks_and_leprechauns.htm
FROM THE MAILBAG
Jim Gaffey writes:
I very much enjoy your e-mail when it arrives I stop and start reading. Challenging times in Ireland...they have gotten through tougher times. I have a high degree of confidence in the Irish people.
ED. NOTE: So do we. We Irish have always managed to grit our teeth and get on with it. We’d love to hear what other readers have to say about Irish resilience.
Maggie from Celtic Expressions writes:
A friend of a co-worker asked about an Irish custom of hanging sage in the kitchen. Can you give me any information? Thanks.
ED. NOTE: We are familiar with the Native American tradition of burning sage to ward off evil spirits, (“smudging) but that’s all. Does anyone have any other info?
Kathleen wants to know:
How do you write Safe journey in Irish?
ED. NOTE: Okay then, all of you talented Irish speakers, can you help Kathleen - and while you’re at it, can you give us the Irish for Safe home as well? Go raibh maith agat!
ED. NOTE: Did you write and your query or message isn’t here? Please mail us again - we get so much mail that yours may have been missed. Thanks!
LINKS
Voting underway on virtual Irish ballot
Irish law does not permit Irish citizens who are out of the country on the day of a general election to vote. Two Irishmen living and working in Canada think the law should be changed. They have set up a web site where Irish citizens can cast a symbolic vote to demonstrate to the Irish government that there is a hugh level of interest in changing the law. Please click
http://ballotbox.ie/
Irish Tourism Facts video
Bill Clinton once said "Ireland is one of the best brands in the world. You have to build it and nurture it." Watch this 3 minute Irish Tourism Facts 2011 video showing what overseas visitors experience in Ireland. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5emdftOIoos
Dublin Culture Trail
The Dublin Culture Trail takes you on a journey of discovery and adventure through stunning videos and photographs of Dublin's museums, galleries, historic buildings and cultural centres and introduces you to the people and artists who make it all happen.
http://www.dublinculturetrail.ie/AboutUs.aspx
Pub Cheat Sheet
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, learn how to order a pint of the black stuff in Irish - and more. Please click
http://www.irish-sayings.com/cats/seasonal/saintpatricksday/
The Dubliner’s - Galway Shawl
One of Bridget’s favorites made even more enjoyable with the accompaniment of a Galway city video. (But it does end a bit abruptly)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHF5fkBA2Nw
Sydney Irish Radio
With many thanks to Jack & Lee Patterson for sending us this link. (Sure wish we could have a link to Cincinnati Irish Radio!). Take a look. They are doing some really great programmes.
http://www.sydneyirishradio.com/coming-events.html
The Irish Page
This time around, the Hennesseys offer a story in Irish and English called "Red Haired Mary’s Idiot Son. " It is a very old tale from two centuries ago. More about it is featured on the first page of the episode. Please click:
http://www.irishpage.com/story/Amadan(1)/Amadan(1).htm
Win a copy of “In the Ould Long Ago”
In The Ould Ago, meaning a long time ago, is a book of Illustrated Irish Folklore book by Johnny McKeagney. It includes 200 intricately hand-drawn illustrated pages of Irish traditions, crafts, history, countryside, farming ways, wildlife, myths and customs. Enter to win one five copies here:
http://www.folklorebook.com/Competition
Schools competition - tell us your Irish story
The mayor of London has launched a competition to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and raise young Londoners’ awareness of Ireland. Pupils can win one of three cash prizes up to £5,000 for their school or a family holiday to Ireland. For more details, please click Irish Post.
http://www.irishpost.co.uk/tabId/60/itemId/8579/Schools-competition----tell-us-your-Irish-story.aspx
The Sick Note: Why Paddy’s not at work today
Performed by The Dubliners, this one of the best versions of this classic you will ever hear. With many thanks to our dear friend Bill Crotty who brought it to our attention.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx7aoEBtPXA
Call to Artists
This is a call for entries for the “Art of the Garden” from The Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library; a juried group exhibition of 150 works to be held at the library,. For entry guidelines, send an email to:
lightnessofbeing2011@yahoo.com
or
artofthegarden@gmail.com
with the words Art of the Garden in the subject line For complete details, please click
http://www.artofthegarden11.blogspot.com
Cleaning for a Reason
Many thanks to Pamela Boyd who sent us the following. (Please note that the URL has changed):
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.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=26533
Free Mammograms
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.
Free Pet Food!
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
Free People Food!
It only takes a second to feed hungry people, too:
http://www.thehungersite.com
The Gentle Barn
With many thanks to Karyn Hannigan who brought this one to our attention. This non-profit organization rescues animals from severe abuse and has been home and healer to hundreds of horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, llamas, dogs, and cats. To learn more, please click
https://www.gentlebarn.org/index.php
QUOTES, TOASTS , CURSES AND BLESSINGS
It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.
From Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde in commemoration of the play’s first performance on February 20, 1892
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Moshe Cohan was sitting in the pub staring at his drink when a large, trouble-making biker-type steps up next to him, grabs his drink and gulps it down in one swig and menacingly says, “Thanks ya ould bog trotter, whatcha going to do about it?" Moshe burst into tears.
"Come on, man," the biker says, "I didn't think you'd CRY. I can’t stand to see a man crying. What’s your problem?"
"This is the worst day of my life," Moshe says. "I'm a complete failure. I was late to a meeting and my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car had been stolen and I don't have any insurance. I left my wallet in the taxi I took home. I found my wife in bed with the postman and then my dog bit me." "So I came to this pub to work up the courage to put an end to it all. I buy a drink; drop a capsule in and sit here watching the poison dissolve; then you show up and drink the whole thing! "But enough about me, how's your day going?"
A BIT OF THE WIT
“I presume, Mrs. Murphy, you carry a memento of some sort in that locket you’re wearing?”
“Indeed, I do , Sir. It’s a lock of my husbands hair.”
“But isn’t your husband still alive?”
“Yes, he is Sir. But his hair is all gone.”
DID YOU KNOW
1. In the days of sailing ships, Irish sea captains often carried pebbles from Scattery Island, the home of St. Cannera, the patron saint of sailors?
2. All windmills in Ireland turn in a clockwise direction, while the rest of the windmills in the world turn counterclockwise?
3. Ireland’s 15 main railway stations are named after the leaders of the 1916 uprising?
Source: The Great Little Book of Fun Things You Probably Don’t Know About Ireland by Robert Sullivan. It’s in our library Quotes & Trivia category and if you're interested in buying it, you can click through to amazon from there. To view the library page, please click:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Libr/1BkQuotesEtc.html
If you’d like to read more Irish Trivia, please click
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaDidyouknow1.html
KNOW YOUR IRISH WRITERS
First off, the answers to last month’s quiz:
1. The Simple Game: An Irish Jockey’s Memoir by Thomas Foley
2. Complete Field Guide to Irish Birds by Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery
3. Voices from the Grave: Two Men’s War in Ireland by Ed Moloney.
A round of pints and applause for the following literary Irish sleuths:
Steven Borkoski
ED. NOTE: Steven mentioned he really enjoyed Voices from the Grave. Now, if only we could get him to write a review!
Hartson & Helen Dowd
http://www.occupytillicome
ED. NOTE; We are very pleased to let you know that Helen’s web site is now leading the list of the top Christian sites. Well done, Helen! If you’d like to visit Helen’s site, here’s the URL: (It’s well worth a look!)
http://www.occupytillicome.com/
Tom McGuire
Tammy (aka Irish Lass)
Jerome Campbell
If you’d like to see your name on our list of Irish bibliophiles, write and tell us who wrote the following:
1. Too Close For Comfort
2. Things We Do For Love
3. Postcards From The Heart
Hint: They are all from Eason’s featured books for February.
Please send your answers to Bridget at: bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
RIDDLE
But first, the answer to our previous head banger:
An opening leading in, an opening leading out,
we connect to spaces that are muculent throughout.
Q. What are we?
A. Nostrils
Our Riddle People were out in full force on this one and a salute to those who came close with Nose and Noses. However, first in with the correct answer was W. Wilson. Well done, Mr. W!
And now for our next mind mangler: (With thanks to our good friend Jane FitzGerald who sent it to us)
Q. what do these seven words all have in common:
1. Banana
2. Dresser
3. Grammar
4. Potato
5. Revive
6. Uneven
7. Assess
Please send your answers to Bridget at: bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
It would be helpful if you put riddle answer in the subject line. Thanks!
SPONSOR: Please help us keep your newsletter coming - visit our good friends at Lollysmith:
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
In Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit. Pronounced: La ale-lah pwad-rig son-ah ditch!
Whether decorating yourself or your home for the feast of our patron saint, or looking for the perfect for any occasion, you are sure to find what you’re looking for at Lollysmith!
Stop by soon and tell them Bridget & Russ said hello. http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?lollysmith+waspish+teandgrgi.html
THE WEEK THAT IS
1. Article: Between us and all harm
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/Superstitions1.html
2. Article: The Rosary and all the Trimmings
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/Boreelog.html
3. Article: A Bit of the Blather
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMisc/Blather.html
4. Article: Irish Linen: The Cloth of Kings
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AEmblem/Linen.html
5. Article: Brigid of the Songs
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AWriters/Pearse.html
6. Article: Clare: The Banner County
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACounty/Clare.html
7. The Irish Kitchen: Potato & Leek Soup
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/rSoups.html#PotatoandLeekSoup
8. Basic Irish: We’e going back to the beginning with lesson #1
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Lessons1.html
9. Kids’ Ireland: The Changeling - a classic tale from old Irish folklore
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/Changling.html
10. Music Review: We just received the latest CD by The High Kings. Look for a review in the next week or so.
11. Trivia Contest: The February contest is posted. All entries must be in by midnight, February 28 whatever time zone you live in. Please send your entries to Bridget:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
ED. NOTE: It would be very helpful if you put Trivia Contest in the Subject line. Thank you!
January’s winner: Bridget O’Doyle who chose the James Joyce print generously provided by one of our Trivia sponsors, Roger Commiskey. Congratulations, http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaContest.htmlBridget!
12. Circle of Prayer
The 3rd Novena in this cycle began on February 23 and continues through March 3. For your convenience, a complete list of Novena dates is on our Circle of Prayer page:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Blessings/CirclePrayer.html
Since last we wrote, we heard from Stephanie Spinoza who is about to have a double mastectomy followed by radiation and chemo. As might be expected, she is very scared and has asked us to pray for her. We know many of you have gone through the same anguish and fear when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, but we have also experienced how the power of prayer can give real comfort and reassurance. So please remember Stephanie in your prayers or meditations.
Also, since our last newsletter, t we heard about the powerful earthquake that hit Christchurch in New Zealand. We don’t know if we have any readers there, but if so, our prayers and thoughts are with them that they and their families are safe and that all of the residents of their hard-hit city will find the courage to carry on the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding.
Whatever your spiritual leanings, please remember them and the following: a close family member going through chemo, Caitlyn’s Aunt Judy, Hartson, little Isabella, Mickey, Tara H; Patricia's daughter Heather, the family and friends of the McTiernans, and so many others, especially those in Australia who lost so much in the recent floods; families struggling with job losses and severe financial hardship; and also 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 our 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 - God willing right before St. Patrick’s Day. (Pinch, punch, first day of the month white rabbit on March 1st!) In the meantime, for all of you celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event between now and then, we hope it's an occasion filled with joy and happiness. And before we forget - Did you get married in February? Here is your special verse:
“When February birds do mate
You may wed nor dread your fate.”
We’ll take our leave with this lovely old Irish blessing from the Aran Isles:
God and Mary and St. Patrick and St Augustine and all the saints and angels to you, the very host of heaven come to your door, the cherubim and seraphim lead you to a seat at the right hand of God himself to you.
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!!
Are you a loyal reader of our newsletter?
Just in case you missed our appeal earlier in this newsletter, your voluntary donation will help keep it going around the world. Please give whatever you can to Russ and Bridget, 5814 Blue Spruce, Cincinnati OH 45224. Donations can also be made via PayPal at
http://www.paypal.com
Our account there is this email address:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
Many thanks in advance for your kindness.
NOTE: All donations of $5.00 or more will receive a green ribbon bookmark featuring metal brass-colored shamrock charm. Alternatively, we still have lucky Irish Blessing coins available.
DID SOMEONE FORWARD THIS ISSUE TO YOU?
You can get your own copy if you sign up by sending an email to: bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
or click on this link:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Newsletter.html
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
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.
Malaga, Spain - February 19 - February 28
The Andalusian International Artists Group which includes our dear friend and supporter Dublin artist Roger Cimmiskey, is exhibiting at the Málaga Airport Arrivals Hall in the newly opened Terminal 3. Each day one of the exhibiting artists will be in attendance. For more details, please click
http://www.artrogerpaintings.com
Carribean Cruise - February 27
Patrick O'Flaherty invites you to join him and other entertainers as they set sail aboard the Norwegian Spirit on an 8-day, 7-night Cruise to the Caribbean, leaving from New Orleans on February 27, 2011. Ports of call include Costa Maya, Belize, Isla Roatan and Cozumel and the the highlight of the week will be O'Houligan's Ball, where General Livingston and his wife Sara will reign over the festivities as the 2011 King and Queen. Visit
http://www.oflahertycruise.com
or contact Susie Denman at 1-800-427-8473 ext. 7808 for more information.
Glendale, California - March 12
The Irish Center of Southern California is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Hilton Hotel in Glendale. Entertainment by the Cleary School of Irish Dance and the Mulligans. Donation of $65 covers dinner, dance, tax and gratuity. For more details please contact Tom McConville:
tomirishhour@msn.com
Or visit their website to learn more about the organization:
http://www.irishcenter.org/
Cincinnati, OH - March 18
Tommy Sands & his Irish Band. We missed him when he was here last year - but we are definitely going this time around. The concert is just 5 minutes away from our house - College Hill Presbyterian Church, 6742 Hamilton Avenue. To order tickets on line, please click:
http://www.easytix.com
Or by phone: 877-840-0457
ED. NOTE: Please let us know if you’re going so we can plan on meeting!
Hollywood, Florida - March 26
The Irish-American Ceili Club invites you to their next ceili with Tommy & Sharon Goodwin. Catch Tommy & Sharon them on YouTube doing Galway Shawl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1a1TJjOEVE
ON-GOING:
CINCINNATI IRISH HERITAGE CENTER
Thanks to underwriting from the Riley School of Irish Music, the second Wednesday of every month, The Irish Heritage Center, 3905 Eastern Avenue, Columbia-Tusculum, (in the former McKinley Elementary School) will resume their "Session Night", featuring both an instrumental session and traditional singing session in two separate rooms from 7:30-11pm. Plenty of free parking behind the building. Come with your talents, tunes and stories. The bar will be open and there will be room for respectful listeners as well. For details, please contact:
http://www.irishcenterofcincinnati.com
Or Cindy at
matyi@fuse.net
IRISH LANGUAGE SPEAKING GROUP CINCINNATI. OH
First Tuesday of every month starting March 1st, 2011 at 7 PM. All levels of speakers welcome! Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati. 3905 Eastern Ave Cincinnati, OH 45226. Call for more details:
513-533-0100
IRISH-AMERICAN CEILI CLUB - HOLLYWOOD , FLA
Stay up to date with all the upcoming events and click here:
http://www.irishamericanceiliclub.com
Or call 754-281-7202 / 954-432-8292
CULTURE WEEKS ON THE ARAN ISLANDS
Celtic Spirit Culture Weeks are very carefully and sensitively designed to share with you a true and authentic Irish Celtic Experience, with most activities guided by the islanders themselves. To learn more, please click:
http://www.irish-culture.ch/eng2/index.htm
THE IRISH CLUB - LONDON, ENGLAND
The Irish Club is adjacent to St. Brides Church, the Journalists Church off Fleet Street. the construction of which gave us the standard wedding cake shape and is reputed to have been founded by St. Bridget herself alongside a St. Bridget's Well. To learn more about the club and upcoming events, please visit their web site:
https://irishclub.memberstatements.com/tour/tours.cfm?ClubID=12968&TourID=57512
FRIENDS OF IRELAND - LOS ALAMITOS, CA
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
CEILI OF THE VALLEY SOCIETY - PORTLAND , OR
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
LEAVE ‘EM LAUGHING
With many thanks to our good friend AG who sent us the following:
To paraphrase the late Winston Spencer Churchill, "A world divided by a common language".
Airline ticket office, Copenhagen :
WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS.
In a Bangkok temple :
IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER A WOMAN, EVEN A FOREIGNER, IF DRESSED AS A MAN.
Cocktail Lounge, Norway :
LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR
Doctors office, Rome :
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.
Dry cleaners, Bangkok :
DROP YOUR TROUSERS HERE FOR THE BEST RESULTS.
In a Nairobi restaurant :
CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.
On the main road to Mombassa, leaving Nairobi
TAKE NOTICE: WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE.
In a City restaurant - we don’t know where
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND WEEKENDS.
In a cemetery - we don’t know where
PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS FROM ANY BUT THEIR OWN GRAVES.
Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations :
GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN BED.
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant :
OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR.
In a Tokyo bar :
SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH NUTS.
Hotel in Yugoslavia :
THE FLATTENING OF UNDERWEAR WITH PLEASURE IS THE JOB OF THE CHAMBERMAID.
Hotel in Japan :
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHAMBERMAID.
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CEMETERY WHERE FAMOUS RUSSIAN AND SOVIET COMPOSERS, ARTISTS AND WRITERS ARE BURIED DAILY EXCEPT THURSDAY.
A sign posted in Germany 's Black Forest :
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN ON OUR BLACK FOREST CAMPING SITE THAT PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SEX, FOR INSTANCE, MEN AND WOMEN, LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE TENT UNLESS THEY ARE MARRIED WITH EACH OTHER FOR THIS PURPOSE.
Hotel in Zurich :
BECAUSE OF THE IMPROPRIETY OF ENTERTAINING GUESTS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX IN THE BEDROOM, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LOBBY BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand :
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE ON YOUR OWN ASS?
A laundry in Rome :
LADIES, LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES HERE AND SPEND THE AFTERNOON HAVING A GOOD TIME.
