Quotations
Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.
-Charles Haughey
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Irish Thought for November 29...
Irish Drink
Guinness
One of he most successful beer brands worldwide, Guinness is extremely popular with the Irish both in Ireland and wherever they have settled. It is something of a national symbol, and the best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland, with sales of nearly $2.5 billion annually. A dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness in Dublin, the beer has a distinctive burnt flavor that comes from the use of roasted barley that hasn't been malted (and not from the addition of meat, as is sometimes rumored). Although the Guinness breweries won't confirm if they still follow this practice, they used to blend their freshly brewed beer with a portion of the aged brew, to add sharpness to the flavor.
Guinness
One of he most successful beer brands worldwide, Guinness is extremely popular with the Irish both in Ireland and wherever they have settled. It is something of a national symbol, and the best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland, with sales of nearly $2.5 billion annually. A dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness in Dublin, the beer has a distinctive burnt flavor that comes from the use of roasted barley that hasn't been malted (and not from the addition of meat, as is sometimes rumored). Although the Guinness breweries won't confirm if they still follow this practice, they used to blend their freshly brewed beer with a portion of the aged brew, to add sharpness to the flavor.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Irish Thought for November 28...
Irish Blessings
May the friendships you make
be those which endure,
and all of your gray clouds
be small ones for sure.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
May the friendships you make
be those which endure,
and all of your gray clouds
be small ones for sure.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Irish Thought for November 27...
Irish-American Movies
Mystic River
Estranged friends from their childhood in an Irish-American area of Boston, three men reunite when one's daughter is killed, which dredges up disturbing echoes from the past and incites revenge. Starring Sean Penn (who won the Academy Award for Best Actor), Time Robbins (who won Best Actor in a Supporting Role), Kevin Bacon, and Marcia Gay Harden. Directed by Clint Eastwood.
This movie is a powerful story. When I first saw this movie, I cried for 5 hours afterwards. My husband thought I was having a mental breakdown. I have never been able to watch the movie again. I think the experience would be like every time I watch An Affair to Remember. I can watch 2 minutes of the movie, then I start saying lines in my head, and then I cry. At least the latter movie ends in a somewhat positive place. Mystic River just rips your heart apart and lets it lie. I would recommend this movie in a heartbeat, but I would also stress to have somewhere happy to go after the movie is over. Otherwise, this movie could be like "Gloomy Sunday" in Hungary (look it up if you want to know what I mean with that remark).
-Megan
Mystic River
Estranged friends from their childhood in an Irish-American area of Boston, three men reunite when one's daughter is killed, which dredges up disturbing echoes from the past and incites revenge. Starring Sean Penn (who won the Academy Award for Best Actor), Time Robbins (who won Best Actor in a Supporting Role), Kevin Bacon, and Marcia Gay Harden. Directed by Clint Eastwood.
This movie is a powerful story. When I first saw this movie, I cried for 5 hours afterwards. My husband thought I was having a mental breakdown. I have never been able to watch the movie again. I think the experience would be like every time I watch An Affair to Remember. I can watch 2 minutes of the movie, then I start saying lines in my head, and then I cry. At least the latter movie ends in a somewhat positive place. Mystic River just rips your heart apart and lets it lie. I would recommend this movie in a heartbeat, but I would also stress to have somewhere happy to go after the movie is over. Otherwise, this movie could be like "Gloomy Sunday" in Hungary (look it up if you want to know what I mean with that remark).
-Megan
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Irish Thought for November 26...
Irish Musicians
Van Morrison
The critically acclaimed and popular Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison was born on August 31, 1945. Known for his prickly and idiosyncratic personality as well as his transcendental live performances, Van Morrison has made the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, which are often regarded as among the greatest ever recorded.
Van Morrison
The critically acclaimed and popular Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison was born on August 31, 1945. Known for his prickly and idiosyncratic personality as well as his transcendental live performances, Van Morrison has made the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, which are often regarded as among the greatest ever recorded.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Irish Thought for November 23...
Limericks
There was an Old Person whose habits,
Induced him to feed upon rabbits;
When he'd eaten eighteen,
He turned perfectly green,
Upon which he relinquished those habits.
There was an Old Person whose habits,
Induced him to feed upon rabbits;
When he'd eaten eighteen,
He turned perfectly green,
Upon which he relinquished those habits.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Irish Thought for November 22...
Quotations
Other people have a nationality. The Irish and the Jews have a psychosis.
-Brendan Behan
Other people have a nationality. The Irish and the Jews have a psychosis.
-Brendan Behan
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Irish Thought for November 20...
Irish Trivia
One Irish legend suggests that if you hear a ringing in your ears, it signifies that a dead friend is ringing a bell from where he or she is trapped in Purgatory, begging for your prayers.
One Irish legend suggests that if you hear a ringing in your ears, it signifies that a dead friend is ringing a bell from where he or she is trapped in Purgatory, begging for your prayers.
Irish Thought for November 19...
Irish Etymology
Hubbub
possibly from whobub, an Irish term for "confused noise" from the 1550s.
Hubbub
possibly from whobub, an Irish term for "confused noise" from the 1550s.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Irish Thought for November 18...
Irish Movies
The Dead
Based on the great short story by James Joyce from his collection Dubliners, The Dead tells the delicate story of a man and wife going to dinner at the home of the man's spinster aunts, and the secrets revealed that night that shake their relationship. Starring Anjelica Huston, Donal McCann and Dan O'Herlihy. Directed by John Huston.
The Dead
Based on the great short story by James Joyce from his collection Dubliners, The Dead tells the delicate story of a man and wife going to dinner at the home of the man's spinster aunts, and the secrets revealed that night that shake their relationship. Starring Anjelica Huston, Donal McCann and Dan O'Herlihy. Directed by John Huston.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Irish Thought for November 17...
Irish Drink
Irish Breakfast Tea
A brisk, strong blend of tea from the Assam region of India, mixed with other black teas (often highland Ceylon teas), this internationally popular brew has a rich, malted flavor. The brewed tea is generally colored dark red to brown, and is often served with a drop of cream and sugar, or sugar and lemon, to mellow out the intense flavor, although hardcore aficionados drink it straight. Despite the name, the tea is regularly enjoyed any time of day. It is known in Ireland simply as tea, and sold under brand names such as Barry's and Lyons.
Irish Breakfast Tea
A brisk, strong blend of tea from the Assam region of India, mixed with other black teas (often highland Ceylon teas), this internationally popular brew has a rich, malted flavor. The brewed tea is generally colored dark red to brown, and is often served with a drop of cream and sugar, or sugar and lemon, to mellow out the intense flavor, although hardcore aficionados drink it straight. Despite the name, the tea is regularly enjoyed any time of day. It is known in Ireland simply as tea, and sold under brand names such as Barry's and Lyons.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Irish Thought for November 16...
Irish-Americans by the Numbers
Four locations in the United States have names that include the word shamrock: Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV; Shamrock, TX; Shamrock Lakes, IN; and Shamrock, OK.
Four locations in the United States have names that include the word shamrock: Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV; Shamrock, TX; Shamrock Lakes, IN; and Shamrock, OK.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Irish Thought for November 15...
Irish Folklore
Cluricauns
There is much debate about whether cluricauns are simply leprechauns out on an all-night bender after work, or whether they are a more rambunctious, ill-tempered, nocturnal cousin. Cluricauns do resemble leprechauns, besides a rosy, inebriated blush around the nose and the fact that they are never seen in work clothes. They are known to drunkenly entertain themselves by capturing farm animals or goats and race them in bogs or fields. Cluricauns can sometimes by found in wealthy men's cellars, drinking wine and breaking bottles, but if they are cut off from their alcohol supply, they will move on to pester someone else.
Cluricauns
There is much debate about whether cluricauns are simply leprechauns out on an all-night bender after work, or whether they are a more rambunctious, ill-tempered, nocturnal cousin. Cluricauns do resemble leprechauns, besides a rosy, inebriated blush around the nose and the fact that they are never seen in work clothes. They are known to drunkenly entertain themselves by capturing farm animals or goats and race them in bogs or fields. Cluricauns can sometimes by found in wealthy men's cellars, drinking wine and breaking bottles, but if they are cut off from their alcohol supply, they will move on to pester someone else.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Irish Thought for November 14...
Irish Food
Dublin Lawyer
This traditional and delicious dish is a mixture of lobster meat, butter, heavy dream, and whiskey. The rather heavy and costly ingredients make it a treat rather than an everyday meal. One theory about the origins of the name is that it is a descriptive joke, as Dublin lawyers are supposedly often rich, fat, and intoxicated, which matches the dish's ingredients.
Dublin Lawyer
This traditional and delicious dish is a mixture of lobster meat, butter, heavy dream, and whiskey. The rather heavy and costly ingredients make it a treat rather than an everyday meal. One theory about the origins of the name is that it is a descriptive joke, as Dublin lawyers are supposedly often rich, fat, and intoxicated, which matches the dish's ingredients.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Irish Thought for November 13...
Irish Proverbs
The three sharpest eyes are a blacksmith on a nail, a priest on his parish, and a young girl on a boy.
The three sharpest eyes are a blacksmith on a nail, a priest on his parish, and a young girl on a boy.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Irish Thought for November 12...
Quotations
An Irishman can be worried by the consciousness that there is nothing to worry about.
-Austin O'Malley
An Irishman can be worried by the consciousness that there is nothing to worry about.
-Austin O'Malley
Monday, November 11, 2013
Irish Thought for November 11...
Irish Writers
Seamus Heaney
Born in Bellaghy, Seamus Heaney is a highly influential and beloved poet with a particularly Irish writing voice and universal themes. In the United Kingdom, two-thirds of the sales of all living poets are of Heaney's works. In 1995, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in 2006, he was awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize. Heaney just recently died this August.
Seamus Heaney
Born in Bellaghy, Seamus Heaney is a highly influential and beloved poet with a particularly Irish writing voice and universal themes. In the United Kingdom, two-thirds of the sales of all living poets are of Heaney's works. In 1995, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in 2006, he was awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize. Heaney just recently died this August.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Irish Thought for November 10...
Irish-American Celebrities
Bing Crosby
Harry "Bing" Crosby's distinctive bass-baritone croon helped make him one of the most successful singers ever, selling more than 500 million records in his lifetime. His biggest hit was his version of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" which remains the best-selling song of all time. Crosby also won a Best Actor Oscar for the film Going My Way in 1944.
Bing Crosby
Harry "Bing" Crosby's distinctive bass-baritone croon helped make him one of the most successful singers ever, selling more than 500 million records in his lifetime. His biggest hit was his version of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" which remains the best-selling song of all time. Crosby also won a Best Actor Oscar for the film Going My Way in 1944.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Irish Thought for November 9...
Irish-American Heroes
Colin P. Kelly, Jr.
The pilot in the first American B-17 to be shot down in combat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Colin P. Kelly, Jr. was decorated for sacrificing his own life to save members of his crew.
Colin P. Kelly, Jr.
The pilot in the first American B-17 to be shot down in combat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Colin P. Kelly, Jr. was decorated for sacrificing his own life to save members of his crew.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Irish Thought for November 8...
Limericks!
There was a Young Lady whose eyes,
Were unique as to color and size;
When she opened them wide,
People all turned aside,
And started away in surprise.
There was a Young Lady whose eyes,
Were unique as to color and size;
When she opened them wide,
People all turned aside,
And started away in surprise.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Irish Thought for November 7...
Irish Toasts
There are good ships and there are wood ships,
the ship that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships,
and may they always be.
There are good ships and there are wood ships,
the ship that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships,
and may they always be.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Irish Thought for November 6...
Irish-American Movies
Good Will Hunting
A wayward Irish-American mathematical genius (Matt Damon) gets on track thanks to the help of a sympathetic psychologist (Robin Williams - who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor). Matt Damon and Ben Affleck also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Directed by Gus Van Sant.
Good Will Hunting
A wayward Irish-American mathematical genius (Matt Damon) gets on track thanks to the help of a sympathetic psychologist (Robin Williams - who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor). Matt Damon and Ben Affleck also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Directed by Gus Van Sant.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Irish Thought for November 5...
Irish Blessings
As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.
As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Irish Thought for November 3...
Irish Trivia
After living much of his life in a hermitage in County Kilkenny in the 6th century, reluctant holy man Saint Fiacre was canonized and became the patron saint of gardeners and venereal disease sufferers. He has also been know to cure hemorrhoids, which, in the Middle Ages, were called "Saint Fiacre's illness."
After living much of his life in a hermitage in County Kilkenny in the 6th century, reluctant holy man Saint Fiacre was canonized and became the patron saint of gardeners and venereal disease sufferers. He has also been know to cure hemorrhoids, which, in the Middle Ages, were called "Saint Fiacre's illness."
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Irish Thought for November 2...
Quotations
For the young Gaels of Ireland
are the lads that drive me mad.
For half their words need footnotes
and half their rhymes are bad.
-Arthur Guiterman
For the young Gaels of Ireland
are the lads that drive me mad.
For half their words need footnotes
and half their rhymes are bad.
-Arthur Guiterman
Friday, November 1, 2013
Irish Thought for November 1...
Irish Symbols
Claddagh
The claddagh, created with two small hands holding a crowned heart, is inspired by the warm, romantic spirit of the Irish people, and became a symbol of purity and loyalty in the royal courts. In modern times, it has come to signify undying devotion and faithfulness, and rings featuring the design are popular gifts between lovers.
Claddagh
The claddagh, created with two small hands holding a crowned heart, is inspired by the warm, romantic spirit of the Irish people, and became a symbol of purity and loyalty in the royal courts. In modern times, it has come to signify undying devotion and faithfulness, and rings featuring the design are popular gifts between lovers.
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