Irish Blessings
May your feet never sweat,
Your neighbor give you ne'er a threat.
When flowers bloom, I hope you'll not sneeze,
Any may you always have someone to squeeze!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Irish Thought for April 29...
Irish Musicians
Frank Patterson
Known as "Ireland's Golden Tenor," Frank Patterson was born on October 5, 1938 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, and died June 10, 2000. During his lifetime he gained international renown, singing for presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Patterson's music was also featured in the films The Dead, Miller's Crossing, Michael Collins, and Gangs of New York.
Frank Patterson
Known as "Ireland's Golden Tenor," Frank Patterson was born on October 5, 1938 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, and died June 10, 2000. During his lifetime he gained international renown, singing for presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Patterson's music was also featured in the films The Dead, Miller's Crossing, Michael Collins, and Gangs of New York.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Irish Thought for April 27...
Irish Songs
Danny Boy
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountainside.
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying,
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
Danny Boy
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountainside.
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying,
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Irish Thought for April 26...
Quotations
When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I survived at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood.
-Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes
When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I survived at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood.
-Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes
Friday, April 25, 2014
Irish Thought for April 25...
Irish-American Artists
Mathew Brady
The son of Irish immigrants, photographer Mathew Brady is considered the father of photojournalism for his uncensored documentation of the Civil War. In addition, his studio produced portraits of just about everyone who mattered, including 18 presidents, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, Walt Whitman and Mark Twain, and King Edward VII and General George S. Custer. His portraits of Abraham Lincoln are seminal, and our understand of the Civil War - especially its punishing brutality - rest on his images. When Brady exhibited his studio's photographs of the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam, The New York Times wrote, "If he has not brought bodies and laid them in our door-yards along the streets, he has done something very like it..." Brady died in a charity ward in New York, penniless, alone, and unacknowledged.
Mathew Brady
The son of Irish immigrants, photographer Mathew Brady is considered the father of photojournalism for his uncensored documentation of the Civil War. In addition, his studio produced portraits of just about everyone who mattered, including 18 presidents, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, Walt Whitman and Mark Twain, and King Edward VII and General George S. Custer. His portraits of Abraham Lincoln are seminal, and our understand of the Civil War - especially its punishing brutality - rest on his images. When Brady exhibited his studio's photographs of the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam, The New York Times wrote, "If he has not brought bodies and laid them in our door-yards along the streets, he has done something very like it..." Brady died in a charity ward in New York, penniless, alone, and unacknowledged.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Irish Thought for April 24...
Irish Toasts
Here's to you and yours
and to mine and ours.
And if mine and ours
ever come across to you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
as much for mine and ours
as mine and ours have done
for you and yours!
Here's to you and yours
and to mine and ours.
And if mine and ours
ever come across to you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
as much for mine and ours
as mine and ours have done
for you and yours!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Irish Thought for April 23...
Irish Food
Cruibins
Cruibins are pig's feet, also known as trotters. They're often boiled with carrots, onions, and spices until the mean is tender. Dipped in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried, cruibins are a popular late-night snack in pubs or from stands outside of drinking establishments, as the greasy, salty pork helps to soak up excess alcohol.
Cruibins
Cruibins are pig's feet, also known as trotters. They're often boiled with carrots, onions, and spices until the mean is tender. Dipped in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried, cruibins are a popular late-night snack in pubs or from stands outside of drinking establishments, as the greasy, salty pork helps to soak up excess alcohol.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Irish Thought for April 22...
Irish Movies
Darby O'Gill and the Little People
In this Disney live-action adventure, an old man's tales of leprechauns turn out to be true, and he has to trick the Leprechaun King while helping his daughter and a young man fall in love. Starring Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, and Sean Connery. Directed by Robert Stevenson.
Darby O'Gill and the Little People
In this Disney live-action adventure, an old man's tales of leprechauns turn out to be true, and he has to trick the Leprechaun King while helping his daughter and a young man fall in love. Starring Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, and Sean Connery. Directed by Robert Stevenson.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Irish Thought for April 21...
Irish-American Celebrities
James Cagney
American film actor James Cagney won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of roles, but he is best remembered for playing "tough guys." In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him eighth among the Greatest Male Stars of All Time. In 1938, he received his first Academy Award for Best Actor nomination for Angels With Dirty Faces, before winning in 1942 for his portrayal of George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy. He was nominated a third time in 1955 for Love Me or Leave Me.
James Cagney
American film actor James Cagney won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of roles, but he is best remembered for playing "tough guys." In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him eighth among the Greatest Male Stars of All Time. In 1938, he received his first Academy Award for Best Actor nomination for Angels With Dirty Faces, before winning in 1942 for his portrayal of George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy. He was nominated a third time in 1955 for Love Me or Leave Me.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Irish Thought for April 20...
Irish Blessings
May the sun shine, all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
And may all the wishes you wish come true!
May the sun shine, all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
And may all the wishes you wish come true!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Irish Thought for April 19...
Irish-American Facts
Irish-Americans signed the foundational documents of the US - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Eight Irish-Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, and three signers, Matthew Thornton, George Taylor, and James Smith, were born in Ireland.; the remaining five Irish-Americans were the sons or grandsons of Irish immigrants; George Read, Thomas McKean, Thomas Lynch Jr., Edward Rutledge, and Charles Carroll. The secretary, also Irish-American, signed as well: Charles Thompson.
Irish-Americans signed the foundational documents of the US - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Eight Irish-Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, and three signers, Matthew Thornton, George Taylor, and James Smith, were born in Ireland.; the remaining five Irish-Americans were the sons or grandsons of Irish immigrants; George Read, Thomas McKean, Thomas Lynch Jr., Edward Rutledge, and Charles Carroll. The secretary, also Irish-American, signed as well: Charles Thompson.
Irish Thought for April 17...
Irish Writers
George Bernard Shaw
The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw started his career writing literary and music criticism, although he soon had great success as a dramatist, with more than 60 plays to his credit. Shaw's dramas have starkly sociopolitical themes, but with a strong sense of humor. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925, and in 1938, he won an Oscar for his screenplay adaptation of his own play, Pygmalion. Shaw is the only person to have won a Nobel Prize and an Oscar.
George Bernard Shaw
The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw started his career writing literary and music criticism, although he soon had great success as a dramatist, with more than 60 plays to his credit. Shaw's dramas have starkly sociopolitical themes, but with a strong sense of humor. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925, and in 1938, he won an Oscar for his screenplay adaptation of his own play, Pygmalion. Shaw is the only person to have won a Nobel Prize and an Oscar.
Irish Thought for April 16...
Irish-American Heroes
A rich merchant named Oliver Pollock was celebrated for lending $300,000 to the United States during the Revolutionary War, assuring the victory of his friend General George Washington. Pollock is also credited as the creator of the dollar sign in 1778.
A rich merchant named Oliver Pollock was celebrated for lending $300,000 to the United States during the Revolutionary War, assuring the victory of his friend General George Washington. Pollock is also credited as the creator of the dollar sign in 1778.
Irish Thought for April 15...
Quotations
I always call myself an Irish writer. I'm one of the few Irish writers who actually likes the phrase. Since I am an Irishman, I feel I belong to the tradition. I don't really feel that being Irish is the important thing. What is important is to take Irish provincialism - which is what I happen to know about because it's what I come from - and to make it universal.
-William Trevor
I always call myself an Irish writer. I'm one of the few Irish writers who actually likes the phrase. Since I am an Irishman, I feel I belong to the tradition. I don't really feel that being Irish is the important thing. What is important is to take Irish provincialism - which is what I happen to know about because it's what I come from - and to make it universal.
-William Trevor
Irish Thought for April 14...
Irish Folklore
The Pooka
A vindictive, dangerous fairy that appears as a fearsome, huge black horse with eyes of yellow fire, the pooka terrorized the countryside at night, breathing blue flames and wreaking havoc. It had a deep human voice and sometimes stopped in front of houses to bellow the names of people, demanding to take them on midnight sprees. If refused, the pooka would vandalize their property. If the ride was accepted, the pooka would gallop around until the rider was flung headlong into a ditch, breaking his neck. According to legend, King Brian Boru tamed the pooka with a charmed bridle, and rode the fairy steed until, exhausted, it promised that is would never kill another man. The pooka still takes some drunks on wild rides, but always returns them with only bruises and a tale to tell.
The Pooka
A vindictive, dangerous fairy that appears as a fearsome, huge black horse with eyes of yellow fire, the pooka terrorized the countryside at night, breathing blue flames and wreaking havoc. It had a deep human voice and sometimes stopped in front of houses to bellow the names of people, demanding to take them on midnight sprees. If refused, the pooka would vandalize their property. If the ride was accepted, the pooka would gallop around until the rider was flung headlong into a ditch, breaking his neck. According to legend, King Brian Boru tamed the pooka with a charmed bridle, and rode the fairy steed until, exhausted, it promised that is would never kill another man. The pooka still takes some drunks on wild rides, but always returns them with only bruises and a tale to tell.
Irish Thought for April 13...
Irish-American Movies
The Departed
Years ago, a powerful Irish mafia figure placed a small selection of his youngest, brightest men into the Massachusetts State Police academy as cadets. Their purpose is to eventually rise within the ranks of the stat police department, to serve as the eyes and ears of their boss. While somewhere else, a young cadet was assigned with an equally dangerous task: infiltrate the Irish syndicate headed by the man sending in his own to the Massachusetts state police. Now one cadet is an up-and-coming police official with a torn allegiance to his job and to the criminal mastermind who put him there. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Directed by Martin Scorcese.
The Departed
Years ago, a powerful Irish mafia figure placed a small selection of his youngest, brightest men into the Massachusetts State Police academy as cadets. Their purpose is to eventually rise within the ranks of the stat police department, to serve as the eyes and ears of their boss. While somewhere else, a young cadet was assigned with an equally dangerous task: infiltrate the Irish syndicate headed by the man sending in his own to the Massachusetts state police. Now one cadet is an up-and-coming police official with a torn allegiance to his job and to the criminal mastermind who put him there. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Directed by Martin Scorcese.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Irish Thought for April 12...
Irish Proverbs
Never reach out your hand farther than you can withdraw it.
Never reach out your hand farther than you can withdraw it.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Irish Thought for April 11...
Irish-American Writers
Henry James
American-born writer Henry James is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. Among James's masterpieces are Daisy Miller, The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, and Washington Square. In The Wings of the Dove, an inheritance destroys the love of a young couple. James considered The Ambassadors his most "perfect" work of art. James's most famous short story is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story in which the question of childhood corruption obsesses a governess. James spent the last 40 years of his life in England, becoming a British subject in 1915, on year before his death.
Henry James
American-born writer Henry James is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. Among James's masterpieces are Daisy Miller, The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, and Washington Square. In The Wings of the Dove, an inheritance destroys the love of a young couple. James considered The Ambassadors his most "perfect" work of art. James's most famous short story is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story in which the question of childhood corruption obsesses a governess. James spent the last 40 years of his life in England, becoming a British subject in 1915, on year before his death.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Irish Thought for April 10...
Gaelic Sports
Rounders
Similar to softball, rounders is played between two teams that alternate between batting and fielding, with nine players per team. Game play involves hitting a small, leather-cased ball with a bat and then running around four bases to score "rounders." The sport's first nationally formalized rules were drawn up by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland in 1884. The game is particularly popular with schoolchildren, especially girls.
Rounders
Similar to softball, rounders is played between two teams that alternate between batting and fielding, with nine players per team. Game play involves hitting a small, leather-cased ball with a bat and then running around four bases to score "rounders." The sport's first nationally formalized rules were drawn up by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland in 1884. The game is particularly popular with schoolchildren, especially girls.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Irish Thought for April 9...
Irish Blessings
May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.
May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Irish Thought for April 8...
Irish-American Celebrities
Jimmy Fallon
An American stand-up comedian, television host, actor, and musician, Jimmy Fallon is the new host of The Tonight Show after Jay Leno gave up his reign of the show. Previously, Fallon was the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, a late-night talk show that followed Leno's show on NBC. Fallon is well known for his work in Saturday Night Line as well as several feature films.
Jimmy Fallon
An American stand-up comedian, television host, actor, and musician, Jimmy Fallon is the new host of The Tonight Show after Jay Leno gave up his reign of the show. Previously, Fallon was the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, a late-night talk show that followed Leno's show on NBC. Fallon is well known for his work in Saturday Night Line as well as several feature films.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Irish Thought for April 7...
Irish Folklore
The Red Man
The Far Darrig, sometimes called the Red Man, is a close cousin of the leprechaun. He has a squat, stocky body and a splotchy yellow face, but he is most recognizable by his completely red outfit, from hat to cape and stockings. Mischievous and a nasty practical joker, the Red Man delights in confusing people by throwing his voice or sending bad dreams, finding great amusement in the terror of mortals. Despite how frightening the pranks become, being teased by a Red Man is actually a blessing, and he bestows good luck on those he tests with his mischief.
The Red Man
The Far Darrig, sometimes called the Red Man, is a close cousin of the leprechaun. He has a squat, stocky body and a splotchy yellow face, but he is most recognizable by his completely red outfit, from hat to cape and stockings. Mischievous and a nasty practical joker, the Red Man delights in confusing people by throwing his voice or sending bad dreams, finding great amusement in the terror of mortals. Despite how frightening the pranks become, being teased by a Red Man is actually a blessing, and he bestows good luck on those he tests with his mischief.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Irish Thought for April 6...
Irish Proverbs
Don't be breaking your shin on a stool that's not in your way.
Don't be breaking your shin on a stool that's not in your way.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Irish Thought for April 5...
Irish Trivia
Certain laws in medieval Ireland gave grounds for a man to divorce his wife if she was a thief or criminal, sullied his honor through infidelity, or if she simply "made a mess of everything."
Certain laws in medieval Ireland gave grounds for a man to divorce his wife if she was a thief or criminal, sullied his honor through infidelity, or if she simply "made a mess of everything."
Friday, April 4, 2014
Irish Thought for April 4...
Irish Musicians
Enya
Irish singer, composer, and musician Enya was born on May 17, 1961. Her musical career began in 1980 in her family's group, Clannad. Her solo music gained recognition in the 1986 BBC series The Celts, and her follow-up album Watermark, with its unique, ethereal sound and its soaring single, "Orinoco Flow," propelled her to international fame. By 2001, Enya became Ireland's best-selling solo musician and the country's second-largest musical export (U2 is the largest). Enya has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and earned four Grammy awards.
Enya
Irish singer, composer, and musician Enya was born on May 17, 1961. Her musical career began in 1980 in her family's group, Clannad. Her solo music gained recognition in the 1986 BBC series The Celts, and her follow-up album Watermark, with its unique, ethereal sound and its soaring single, "Orinoco Flow," propelled her to international fame. By 2001, Enya became Ireland's best-selling solo musician and the country's second-largest musical export (U2 is the largest). Enya has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and earned four Grammy awards.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Irish Thought for April 3...
Quotations
I showed my appreciation of my native land in the usual Irish way - by getting out of it as soon as I possibly could.
-George Bernard Shaw
I showed my appreciation of my native land in the usual Irish way - by getting out of it as soon as I possibly could.
-George Bernard Shaw
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Irish Thought for April 2...
Irish Food
Goody
Part of the traditional ritual midsummer celebration on St. John's Eve, goody was cooked in a large pot over a communal bonfire and shared among the revelers. The dessert consisted of fresh white bread bought from a baker, which was boiled in milk flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and spices.
Goody
Part of the traditional ritual midsummer celebration on St. John's Eve, goody was cooked in a large pot over a communal bonfire and shared among the revelers. The dessert consisted of fresh white bread bought from a baker, which was boiled in milk flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and spices.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
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