Quotations
It is Ireland's sacred duty to send over, every few years, a playwright to save the English theater from inarticulate glumness.
-Kenneth Tynan
This quote really made me grin. It sees so true throughout history!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Irish Thought for May 30...
Irish Symbols
Harps
The first renowned performers in Ireland were said to be harpists, who traveled around the country and in Europe performing at festivals, celebrations, and for royal courts. The harp symbol has come to represent Irish artisans, craftsmanship, and industry, as on the Guinness logo.
Harps
The first renowned performers in Ireland were said to be harpists, who traveled around the country and in Europe performing at festivals, celebrations, and for royal courts. The harp symbol has come to represent Irish artisans, craftsmanship, and industry, as on the Guinness logo.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Irish Thought for May 29...
Irish-American Movies
The Brothers McMullen
After their good-for-nothing father dies and their mother leaves to be with her true love, three brothers are left with only one another as they struggle with their own romantic relationships. Starring Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, and Jack Mulcahy, Directed by Edward Burns.
The Brothers McMullen
After their good-for-nothing father dies and their mother leaves to be with her true love, three brothers are left with only one another as they struggle with their own romantic relationships. Starring Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, and Jack Mulcahy, Directed by Edward Burns.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Irish Thought for May 28...
Irish Musicians
My Bloody Valentine
An alternative rock band from Dublin, found in 1983 by Kevin Shields (guitar and vocals) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drummer), and later expanded to include Bilinda Butcher (guitar and vocals) and Debbie Googe (bass). As the band's music evolved, their use of distortion, droning riffs, and reverb resulted in a sound that became very influential in the UK movement known as shoegazing.
My Bloody Valentine
An alternative rock band from Dublin, found in 1983 by Kevin Shields (guitar and vocals) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drummer), and later expanded to include Bilinda Butcher (guitar and vocals) and Debbie Googe (bass). As the band's music evolved, their use of distortion, droning riffs, and reverb resulted in a sound that became very influential in the UK movement known as shoegazing.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Irish Thought for May 27...
Irish Toasts
May the most you ever wish for be the least you ever receive.
May the most you ever wish for be the least you ever receive.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Irish Thought for May 26...
Irish-American Heroes
Sometimes credited as being as the fastest baseball pitcher ever, Walter Johnson pitched 110 shutouts (a record he still holds) and led the Washington Senators to victory in 416 games. James held the career record in strikeouts (3,509) for over 50 years.
Sometimes credited as being as the fastest baseball pitcher ever, Walter Johnson pitched 110 shutouts (a record he still holds) and led the Washington Senators to victory in 416 games. James held the career record in strikeouts (3,509) for over 50 years.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Irish Thought for May 24...
Irish-American Celebrities
George Carlin
Noted for his dark, taboo-busting humor, facility with language, and hilarious takes on sociopolitical and religious themes, this stand-up comedian, actor, and author won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums.
George Carlin
Noted for his dark, taboo-busting humor, facility with language, and hilarious takes on sociopolitical and religious themes, this stand-up comedian, actor, and author won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums.
GO HAVE FUN AT JIGGLE JAM THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Irish Thought for May 23...
Irish Writers
Jonathan Swift
Born in Dublin, Jonathan Swift is considered one of the preeminent satirists writing English prose, and his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, are still read widely. Swift had all of his writing published anonymously or under pseudonyms such as Lemuel Gulliver, M.B. Drapier, and Isaac Bickerstaff.
Jonathan Swift
Born in Dublin, Jonathan Swift is considered one of the preeminent satirists writing English prose, and his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, are still read widely. Swift had all of his writing published anonymously or under pseudonyms such as Lemuel Gulliver, M.B. Drapier, and Isaac Bickerstaff.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Irish Thought for May 22...
Irish Blessings
These thing, I warmly wish for you -
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit o' sun, a bit o' cheer,
And a guardian angel always near.
These thing, I warmly wish for you -
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit o' sun, a bit o' cheer,
And a guardian angel always near.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Irish Thought for May 21...
Irish Food
Colcannon
This starchy, hearty Irish favorite combines mashed potatoes with shredded kale or cabbage along with onions. It is a simple but very filling side dish, and its inexpensive and easily found ingredients have made it a staple.
Colcannon
This starchy, hearty Irish favorite combines mashed potatoes with shredded kale or cabbage along with onions. It is a simple but very filling side dish, and its inexpensive and easily found ingredients have made it a staple.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Irish Thought for May 20...
Quotations
I'm Irish and the Irish are very emotionally moved. My mother is Irish and she cries during beer commercials.
- Former U.S. General Barry McCaffrey
I'm Irish and the Irish are very emotionally moved. My mother is Irish and she cries during beer commercials.
- Former U.S. General Barry McCaffrey
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Irish Thought for May 18...
Irish Etymology
Hibernia: a name for Ireland, either stemming from the Latin word hibernus, meaning "wintry," or the mythological Latin name for Ireland, Ivernia.
Hibernia: a name for Ireland, either stemming from the Latin word hibernus, meaning "wintry," or the mythological Latin name for Ireland, Ivernia.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Irish Thought for May 16...
A Milestone for a Long-Time Irish Kids's Club Member
We are carefully watching our Kid's Club Members grow up, sometimes we are very happy, and sometimes we are regretting the day we will lose them. Jake, one of our past presidents, graduated over the weekend from Bishop Miege. His plans are to persue a marketing degree from KU with aspirations to move into advertising.
Everyone shares their pride in Jake's accomplishment. We always have and always will expect great things from him, and in all cases, Jake has delivered.
As with all graduates, Jake will have his choice to remain with us in the Children's Area until he is 21 or he can take a stroll through some other committees to learn them. (okay, so maybe my fingers are crossed from him to choose a mix of both paths if he wants to learn another area ;)
Jake thank you for making us so very proud of you and thanks for sharing all your great gifts with us. It was Jake's second Irish Fest where he was working both for the Feis and the Kid's area. At about 2 AM on Memorial Day, when we just finished our second load, Jake was standing up asleep! We had to get him to the hotel quickly, that poor boy was so worn out, he didn't know if he was coming or going!
Love you Jake!
Congratulations Jake!
We are carefully watching our Kid's Club Members grow up, sometimes we are very happy, and sometimes we are regretting the day we will lose them. Jake, one of our past presidents, graduated over the weekend from Bishop Miege. His plans are to persue a marketing degree from KU with aspirations to move into advertising.
Everyone shares their pride in Jake's accomplishment. We always have and always will expect great things from him, and in all cases, Jake has delivered.
As with all graduates, Jake will have his choice to remain with us in the Children's Area until he is 21 or he can take a stroll through some other committees to learn them. (okay, so maybe my fingers are crossed from him to choose a mix of both paths if he wants to learn another area ;)
Jake thank you for making us so very proud of you and thanks for sharing all your great gifts with us. It was Jake's second Irish Fest where he was working both for the Feis and the Kid's area. At about 2 AM on Memorial Day, when we just finished our second load, Jake was standing up asleep! We had to get him to the hotel quickly, that poor boy was so worn out, he didn't know if he was coming or going!
Love you Jake!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Irish Thought for May 15...
Irish-American Celebrities
Grace Kelly
In 1953, beautiful, icy blonde Grace Kelly gained fame in the movie Mogambo and won an Academy Award for her performance in The Country Girl. She only appeared in an handful of movies, including the Alfred Hitchcock thrillers Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief (which happen to be my personal favorites of her work), before she retired at age 26, when she married Prince Rainier III and became Her Serene Highness the Princess of Monaco. Princess Grace died in a car crash at the age of 52.
In 1953, beautiful, icy blonde Grace Kelly gained fame in the movie Mogambo and won an Academy Award for her performance in The Country Girl. She only appeared in an handful of movies, including the Alfred Hitchcock thrillers Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief (which happen to be my personal favorites of her work), before she retired at age 26, when she married Prince Rainier III and became Her Serene Highness the Princess of Monaco. Princess Grace died in a car crash at the age of 52.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Irish Thought for May 13...
Irish-American Writers
Raymond Chandler
Anglo-American novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler had an immense stylistic influence upon the modern private detective story, especially in the style of the writing and the attitudes now characteristic of the genre. His protagonist, Philip Marlowe, the quintessential private detective, was played on-screen by Humphrey Bogart. Chandler was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1888, and moved to the UK in 1900 with his Irish-born mother. In 1907, he was naturalized as a British subject, but he regained U.S. citizenship in 1956.
Raymond Chandler
Anglo-American novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler had an immense stylistic influence upon the modern private detective story, especially in the style of the writing and the attitudes now characteristic of the genre. His protagonist, Philip Marlowe, the quintessential private detective, was played on-screen by Humphrey Bogart. Chandler was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1888, and moved to the UK in 1900 with his Irish-born mother. In 1907, he was naturalized as a British subject, but he regained U.S. citizenship in 1956.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Irish Thought for May 12...
Irish Blessings
May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish Blessings in your heart!
May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish Blessings in your heart!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Irish Thought for May 11...
An Ode to a Friend...
My daughter Megan is our blog editor and does a great job daily finding fun Irish facts to share. For this blog, I am stepping in - even though she will still edit and add even to this blog. Thank you Megs.
About 15 years ago, I was living in Denver, my part-time home was New York, my children were in Chicago, and much of my heart was in Kansas City. I was here on visits to my family as I was coming home from New York to Denver almost every other week.
One weekend, I was introduced to the Brookside Irish Festival. I met an amazing group of people as Bob's sister, and, I had a fun day there, plus the music was great. I was really excited for Kansas City as I had a great love for attending the Irish Fest in Denver, which at that time was very close to where I lived.
And then, 13 years ago, I moved home to KC. I was volunteered to help a wonderful guy named Ron Einbender with his merchandise tent at the Irish Fest down by the River. I remember that I was on crutches and I got a call from my teary eyed brother saying don't even try to come down on that terrible Saturday.
Several months later, my brother and Danny Regan charmed me into running the Children's Area, knowing how much I love kids. As I met the committee, the board, and the entertainers, I found this incredible, talented, dedicated group of people and what formed for me was a bond of trust with each of them.
They took me on and watched me the first year. As I delivered what I said I would, this amazing team brought me into their fold, and it will always be a family.
I could name each of them and the gifts and talents they share so willingly with every single guest at Irish Fest and the wonderful entertainment that comes in. But more than that, in many cases, they share their talent and time with each other.
Barney Walsh was just such a person. He was involved all year, and he understood that it did take a year to get to the next Fest and to make each one better than the last one. He was on site three days before the festival doing anything and everything that could use his tool box and ladder. He was there during the Fest, just checking in. I knew I could ask him to jump and he would say how high, I was always glad I didn't have to ask, I thought he must be needed elsewhere. He had a calming effect on people, I think I would defy someone to stay mad at him for more than 3 seconds! He had a glint in eye that was mischievous but somehow, also reassuring.
I have been thinking long and hard because as a team, I thought the Irish Fest community would always just be. That somehow we were invincible and even though we have had our family move on to New Jersey or Texas, the family members were never really far away and always there for Irish Fest. The bonds that have formulated over the years go beyond our endeavors at Irish Fest. Most everyone involved have become my extended family.
Barney will be missed at every level. I admire him for the acute care he gave everyone of us and his family. He always dropped everything to make you think he didn't have anything better to do but be with you right then.
I don't know how we will ever replace Barney, anywhere in our lives, but I will hold on to his spirit and remember it and nurture it.
Barney, from Shawn, Megan, the Children's Committee, and the Kid's Club, thank you, we love you, and miss you so much.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Irish Thought for May 10...
Irish-American By the Numbers
Four locations in the United States have names that include the word "shamrock": Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock, Texas; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; and Shamrock, Oklahoma.
Four locations in the United States have names that include the word "shamrock": Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock, Texas; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; and Shamrock, Oklahoma.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Irish Thought for May 9...
Quotations
The Irish gave the bagpipes to the Scots as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet.
-Oliver Herford
The Irish gave the bagpipes to the Scots as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet.
-Oliver Herford
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Irish Thought for May 7...
Limericks!
There was an Old Man in a tree,
Who was horribly bored by a Bee;
When they said, "Does it buzz?"
He replied, "Yes, it does!"
"It's a regular brute of a bee!"
There was an Old Man in a tree,
Who was horribly bored by a Bee;
When they said, "Does it buzz?"
He replied, "Yes, it does!"
"It's a regular brute of a bee!"
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Irish Thought for May 6...
Irish-American Movies
Gangs of New York
After seeing his father being killed in a major gang fight in New York, young Amsterdam Vallon is spirited away for his own safety. Some years later, he returns to the scene of his father's death, the notorious Five Points district in New York. It's 1863 and Lower Manhattan is run by gangs, the most powerful of which is the Natives, headed by Bill "The Butcher" Cutting. He believes that America should belong to native-born Americans and opposes the waves of immigrants, mostly Irish, entering the city. It's also the time of the Civil War and forced conscription leads to the worst riots in U.S. history. Amid the violence and corruption, young Vallon tries to establish himself in the area and also seek revenge for his father's death. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz. Directed by Marin Scorsese.
Gangs of New York
After seeing his father being killed in a major gang fight in New York, young Amsterdam Vallon is spirited away for his own safety. Some years later, he returns to the scene of his father's death, the notorious Five Points district in New York. It's 1863 and Lower Manhattan is run by gangs, the most powerful of which is the Natives, headed by Bill "The Butcher" Cutting. He believes that America should belong to native-born Americans and opposes the waves of immigrants, mostly Irish, entering the city. It's also the time of the Civil War and forced conscription leads to the worst riots in U.S. history. Amid the violence and corruption, young Vallon tries to establish himself in the area and also seek revenge for his father's death. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz. Directed by Marin Scorsese.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Irish Thought for May 5...
Irish Writers
Iris Murdoch
Born in Ireland, Iris Murdoch gained fame for her sociopolitical novels with themes of morality, sexuality, and the unconscious. Her first book, Under the Net, published in 1954, was selected in 2001 by American Modern Library as one of the hundred best 20th century English-language novels. Murdoch was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1987.
Iris Murdoch
Born in Ireland, Iris Murdoch gained fame for her sociopolitical novels with themes of morality, sexuality, and the unconscious. Her first book, Under the Net, published in 1954, was selected in 2001 by American Modern Library as one of the hundred best 20th century English-language novels. Murdoch was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1987.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Irish Thought for May 4...
Irish-American Heroes
John L. Sullivan
He was the first boxer to be recognized as heavyweight boxing champion of the world. He held the title for ten years, and was also the first American athlete to earn more than a million dollars.
John L. Sullivan
He was the first boxer to be recognized as heavyweight boxing champion of the world. He held the title for ten years, and was also the first American athlete to earn more than a million dollars.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Irish Thought for May 3...
Irish Drink
Irish Coffee
The credit for inventing this variation of the hot toddy goes to Joe Sheridan, the chef of Foyne's Restaurant in County Clare in the 1940s, who mixed Irish Mist liqueur with hot coffee and sugar and topped his creation with thick cream. Today, Irish whiskey is more commonly used, and whipped cream is often substituted for the topping, although the original recipe called for thick cream that had not been whipped. The proper way to drink Irish coffee is to sip it through the layer of cream.
Irish Coffee
The credit for inventing this variation of the hot toddy goes to Joe Sheridan, the chef of Foyne's Restaurant in County Clare in the 1940s, who mixed Irish Mist liqueur with hot coffee and sugar and topped his creation with thick cream. Today, Irish whiskey is more commonly used, and whipped cream is often substituted for the topping, although the original recipe called for thick cream that had not been whipped. The proper way to drink Irish coffee is to sip it through the layer of cream.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Irish Thought for May 1..
Irish-American Celebrities
Jackie Gleason
An American comedian, actor, and musician, Jackie Gleason was known for his brash visual and verbal comedy - his character Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners, a situation-comedy TV series - represented this style. His most noted film roles were as Minnesota Fats in the movie The Hustler starring Paul Newman, and as Buford T. Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit movie series.
Jackie Gleason
An American comedian, actor, and musician, Jackie Gleason was known for his brash visual and verbal comedy - his character Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners, a situation-comedy TV series - represented this style. His most noted film roles were as Minnesota Fats in the movie The Hustler starring Paul Newman, and as Buford T. Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit movie series.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
