Happy St. Pat’s day! Here in NYC, the streets are coated in yesterday’s cocktail of freezing rain/snow, and I pity everyone who’s going to be marching down 5th Avenue in a kilt!

Fitz! Big Hank! Christy!

Soda Bread! I love soda bread!

Christy!
Jane!
Fitz!
Waxman!

Oh, and - U.S. v. Toensing!

Morning, Christy, and happy St. Paddy’s! One of my favorite sources for Celtic music is podcasts - iTunes has oodles of free podcasts, including lots of music ones: I subscribe to Celtic Folk, Cleveland Celtic, Copperplate, Irish and Celtic Music, and The Angus Sessions (they also have several good jazz ones).

It’s the end of the quarter for me, another reason to celebrate - and now to finish up my grading before the final today. *g* Enjoy your day!

Fiona Ritchie—voice of the faerie!
(as rendered by Marcy)

my god, I love you girls. Get well Jane.

Fiona Ritchie is a treasure, plus I could listen to her talk all day. Eileen Ivers is my fave fiddler. Celtic musicians really bring teh chops.

Christy, I’m still trying to cram whole wheat bread into my measuring cup.

Music: Gaelic Storm

Well-known for their amazing performance in Titanic.

Christy -

Would love to hear your reaction to the article about blogs from today’s LAT to be found at my 3:39 in the last thread when you get a chance. http://www.latimes.com/news/na.....-headlines

Perfect pull up a chair topic; can’t wait to hear additional music suggestions for new h/ts to one of my favorite varieties of joy.

Good Morning Christy,

We’re here in the Hudson Valley with 2 feet of snow for St. Paddy’s, a very good day for soda bread. Try adding a little sugar and some dill to enhance the currants (or raisins.)

I like The Cheftains “Bonaparte’s Retreat” for that special someone in DC.

Cheers to Fiona!

I listen to liveireland.com for traditional Irish songs. My current favorite groups are Cran and Danu.

I’m also taking Irish language classes. There are a lot of these courses offered through Daltai Na Gaeilge. Check out www.daltai.com.

Christy -

WNCW-FM’s Celtic Winds Celtic Music program is on from noon until 3 PM EDT on Sunday afternoons. For more information about one of the public radio stations in my part of the world, and/or to listen online, here’s a link to WNCW’s site: http://www.wncw.org/

Thistle and Shamrock is a wonderful program, broadcast in this area by South Carolina’s educational radio network.

Nice inadvertantly subversive piece on NPR this morning.

Scott Simon interviewing two Republican stratergerists
(Donnatelli and Newhouse) about their side’s political problems, in particular Gonzalez. The Republican political class sees lying under oath to Congress purely as a public relations problem.
Both Donnatelli and Newhouse thought Gonzalez will survive. LOL

Unfortunately followed by an infuriating piece on Waxman’s Plamegate hearing yesterday. Andrea Seabrook treating it as a fashion show. Ugh.

“inadvertently” at 15 …. right!

allan_in_upstate @
15

Nice inadvertantly subversive piece on NPR this morning.

Scott Simon interviewing two Republican stratergerists
(Donnatelli and Newhouse) about their side’s political problems, in particular Gonzalez. The Republican political class sees lying under oath to Congress purely as a public relations problem.
Both Donnatelli and Newhouse thought Gonzalez will survive. LOL

Unfortunately followed by an infuriating piece on Waxman’s Plamegate hearing yesterday. Andrea Seabrook treating it as a fashion show. Ugh.

Why were you listening to National Publican Radio on a Saturday? Were you driving somewhere? That’s the only time I listen to it is when I’m in a car and that’s the only news source available.

OT, but speaking of green - I finally have something to contribute to last week’s thread re beautiful movies - Les Filles du Botaniste - a quiet lesbo love story with two beautiful Chinese leads, but the real stars are the incredible flora and landscapes - possibly the most visually rich, luscious, sumptuous, gorgeous movie I have EVER seen - not released in the US, a Brit friend sent it to me - but if ever available here, I mean it, run do not walk, you’ll thank me…

Don’t forget scottish fiddle music. Try anything by Bonnie Rideout for some spirited fiddling.

No collection would be complete without Patrick Ball’s music of O’Carolan.

oh and there’s also a talking bird with a funny voice whose repertoire consists of the single line “vive le President Mao!”

Happy St. Pat’s Christy. My mom is into Michael Flatly and many years ago we saw him in Miami. We were sitting in the first row and the show was unbelievable. I didn’t want it to end. We saw the show a couple of years ago without Michael and it wasn’t as good, but still worth it. The show came to Florida a couple of weeks ago but was sold out immediately.

When I lived in NYC, I lived on 86th Street, where the St. Pat’s parade ends. I could tell you green beer stories…

ˈɛrɪn gə brɔː!

Top O The Mornin’ To Ya Christy and Firepups !

two of the books I can pick up, turn to any page, and start re-reading

How The Irish Saved Civilization
The Year of the French

Perhaps in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, there are folks suggesting that Fitz become the AG after Alberto is finally thrown under the bus:

http://www.abovethelaw.com/200.....ttorne.php

This begs for expansion: Then there came the day when St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Dee Cee.

There’s a new St. Patrick in town all right, driving out the snakes…

great minds, sofistic

On St. Pat’s day, my friends and I light a votive candle in memory of the St. Patrick’s Battalion
(Los San Patricios). We sing when “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. This evening, we will participate in a “Circle of Peace” celebration at one of the larger parks in El Paso, purposely scheduled for today.

Love the music by Planxty - Irish group no longer together. The Planxty Collection is great trad Irish - like “Raggle Taggle Gypsy”.

Happy St Pats !

We’re having a big family dinner tonight - thankfully at someone else’s house. With an aunt Pat, a sister Patty, and a son Patt… ignoring St. Paddy’s is not an option.

Although we tend to listen to a lot of the lovely music listed by others above and never miss Fiona Ritchie, one of our favorite bands is the Dropkick Murphys. Their music is more rowdy than haunting, and fun to listen to. They can make a bagpipe sound punk. :)

Well, St Patrick threw the snakes into the sea, except for the big one which he tricked into getting into a box, which he then threw into the sea. All kinds of imagry there, huh?

Christy, thanks for the recipe! I think there’s a typo - should be whole wheat FLOUR, not bread (yes?).

Enter the Haggis is a great band that plays often in my area, and was on Regis & Kelly yesterday. www.enterthehaggis.com/index.php

And we just lost Fiona Ritchie’s program from our local npr station :0(

Not a single word about the Plame hearings in the NYTimes?

Seriuosly, am I wrong here, maybe the dead tree version has something, but their daily newsletter says NADA about it. What gives???

PS; there’s some great Celtic music out here in The Wilderness (Kansas), a group of very progressive folks have formed a Celtic band called “Rowan” and they bring some wonderful Celtic music and culture to these remote regions, you can see them on this web page.

http://www.angelfire.com/hero2/tenstring

One problem they run into in this reddest of red states, when they go to public schools and sing traditional diddies about dethroning “Old King George,” it tends to go over like a lead balloon with the local rednecks. But the kids seem to love it, nonetheless, and sing out loudly right along with the band at every chorus.

Imagine some of these Kansas fundies whose kids come home singing songs about dumping “Old King George!”

More than one poor child got slapped up side of the head for that, you can wager.

Don’t forget the Pogues.

Not a single word about the Plame hearings in the NYTimes?

Seriuosly, am I wrong here, maybe the dead tree version has something, but their daily newsletter says NADA about it. What gives???

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03.....ref=slogin

Diane Duane had a soda bread recipe up on her site a couple of years ago, with many variations, including one (’golden’) that was part cornmeal and one (’heretical’) with diced jalapenos. (Sounds like soda bread for los San Patricios, yes?)

Yestarday we had the ‘Irish Day’ parade in downtown LA: fire trucks and equestrian groups and bands. It’s not a big parade, but it’s fun.

JEP -

One problem they run into in this reddest of red states, when they go to public schools and sing traditional diddies about dethroning “Old King George,” it tends to go over like a lead balloon with the local rednecks. But the kids seem to love it, nonetheless, and sing out loudly right along with the band at every chorus.

Just another excuse for home scoolin’, don’ja know. Gotta control intake of both Christ AND culture. ;-(

Being Italian and all, we celebrated St.Joseph’s Day, which is March 19, 2007. Before we moved out of south Philly, which used to be a strong Italian neighborhood, it was much more pronounced. All the bakeries would make St. Joseph’s cakes, (think big cream puffs) which was a nice treat.

Here’s a link in case anyone is interested in the tradition.

http://www.chiff.com/a/st-josephs-day.htm

And I love Loreena McKennitt. What an amazing voice, it reachs down deep into my soul.

Waccaman @ 11, a snippet from the latimes.com you reference:

“… pecking away at their keyboards and, bit by bit, at the media establishment.”

Sweet music, indeed.

Dance of the Celts is a nice collection by many artists.

mod can you please clean up my link at #35, I was trying to cut/paste and caught the Jep@33 with a quote this comment.
(I promise to go back to lurking now)

[Mod Note; refresh, and all will be well.]

sofistic @
31

Well, St Patrick threw the snakes into the sea, except for the big one which he tricked into getting into a box, which he then threw into the sea. All kinds of imagry there, huh?

He left several on a plane, too.

Christy,
I woke up this morning to winter storm of snow,sleet and rain here in Eastern Massachusetts. What a treat it was to discover your post…and the great Irish music selections. Of course as a native Irishman I am somewhat biased!!!
Holiday greetings to everyone!

Morning, firedogs. I mostly lurk, but I wanted to pop in and wish you all a happy St. Pat’s from Liberal Mountain.

It also happens to be Sean Patrick’s first birthday, which we’re all very excited about. Auntie watertiger is visiting for the occasion.

Searched all yesterday for world’s best corned beef and cabbage recipe (may or may not have found it), only to discover this is a semi-bogus dish in the way of pizza and chow mein, i.e., to please the tourists. (sigh) Undaunted, I move forward. Heading to Ireland this year for first time ever. Just read somewhere this morning that real Irish and Irish wannabes can order bags o’dirt from the auld sod for the keeping. Entrepreneurship is not unique to the USofA. And yes to Loreena McKennitt.

o’barbara @ 45

Searched all yesterday for world’s best corned beef and cabbage recipe (may or may not have found it), only to discover this is a semi-bogus dish in the way of pizza and chow mein, i.e., to please the tourists. (sigh) Undaunted, I move forward. Heading to Ireland this year for first time ever. Just read somewhere this morning that real Irish and Irish wannabes can order bags o’dirt from the auld sod for the keeping. Entrepreneurship is not unique to the USofA. And yes to Loreena McKennitt.

My mother always made ham and cabbage, which I think is more authentic.

Tricia;

Thanks for the link, this story was somehow completely missing from the NYT daily newsletter this morning, seems like it should have been included. Can’t even find the word “Plame” with a search.

Although there IS a story about the Pogues…

Maccamaw, you can bet that home-schooling is a big issue here, especially since the big “condolidation” era took away so many local football programs, er, I mean local school systems…

I’m partial to the Irish band Oysterband. And Runrig.

And for fiddling in the scots-irish Cape Breton style - don’t forget Natalie McMaster and Ashley McIsaac. Also the singer Mary Anne Lamond - she sings traditional songs in Gaelic and has a really lovely voice.

all the best to ye on st paddys day, witch tiz a bign roun our house on a counta thays a weddin cummin up in september in county offaly twixt miz bds daughter n her fiance mush. we will be thar!

slainte!

I worked in the bar area of Houlihans one St. Patrick’s Day, which fell on a Saturday night.

Now there’s an experience.

I learned a bunch of American-Irish songs from my mother, some I which I can still sing. Maybe my favorite is “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen”, since that is my mother’s name, and she once told me that her father used to sing it to her.

Christy -

How many other West Virginia musicians with Celtic roots come to mind after I start by mentioning Tim and Mollie O’Brien?

favorite irish recipe:

– fill an old fashion-sized glass with crushed ice.

– pour Irish Mist to cover ice.

– sip.

The children of Liberal Mountain are: Molly, Seamus, Roisin (pronounced Ro-SHEEN) aka Rosie, and Sean Patrick.

We’re Italian, obviously.

Sally @ 6:32 & JEP @ 6:40 -

Waccamaw, actually. Name of a large & lovely natural dark lake in southeastern NC & river that eventually flows thru’ the lowlands of SC to greet the Atlantic. Seemed a fitting a.k.a for the amount of time I spend at FDL. *g*

Morning all — Mr. ReddHedd let me sleep in this morning. Am just now getting to coffee. How is everyone today?

I’m wondering why the MSM is ignoring the fact that the White House did nothing about an internal investigation about the Plame leak? Keith Olberman is the only person I watched that highlighted this fact.

Happy St. Pat’s to all.

Here’s some lovely Irish scenery from Dingle peninsula from Gerry Horgan’s flickr site. Includes a few pics of our favorite Irish prosecutor:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinglepeninsula/

Back in the late 70s and early 80s, Celtic music sort of exploded. There were so many good bands emerging, reforming, and swapping members… And a lot of brilliant independent labels, now very much gone. It was hard to keep up.

I had to keep up — I was a DJ at a college radio station. It was a pretty glorious time, when every month’s distribution from the labels would bring something good, and occasionally something great.

Looking back, I have to say that De Danaan/De Dannan (they changed the spelling at some point) were the best. They were seriously devoted to Celtic music as a pure form (as were many others); but they had an ability to get up and roar that was shared by only a few: Silly Wizard and the Tannahill Weavers (both Scottish not Irish) come to mind in that respect.

Other wonderful Celtic artists, great and obscure, traditional and fused with other influences: Patrick Street (a kind of supergroup), Altan, Scartaglen, Samradh, Skara Brae, the Chieftains of course, Boys Of The Lough, Dolores Keane…

Ach. Too many to remember, and do everyone justice. But what a wonderful musical tradition.

Anybody notice Google’s logo this morn?

How are you feeling Christy?

Morning All, Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

I love the old Tommy Makem tunes. He did an album with Mary O’Hara in the 50’s or earlier possibly, when they were both very young. It’s just heartbreakingly beautiful, a spare raw haunting sound. I can’t listen to it without crying. Liam Clancy, Dolores Keane, Mary Black, Altan, Clannad, Sharon Shannon, Eileen Ivers …

Then of course there’s Van Morrison, Elvis Costello aka Declan McManus, the Pogues.

But here’s nothing like sitting in a pub in Ireland though, with the pints lined up, listening to a sesiun with little known musicians - the craic flying. Heaven….

Well, now I wish I hadn’t even read that NYT article, made me sick…

Here’s the best example of how they slanted the story…”She needed only slight coaxing from Representative Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, to criticize President Bush.”

there’s little doubt they (the msm) aren’t going to give this anything close to “fair and balanced” coverage…

Also, I had a heckuva time navigating to this story without the link Triciawrites provided, I’ll look more closely, but I do perceive something’s rotten in New Holland.

Very good article on Josh Marshall and political blogging:

http://www.latimes.com/news/na.....-headlines

From the more traditional vein, here is a site for The Minstrel Boy, another song my mother likes.

Molly Ivors @ 54

The children of Liberal Mountain are: Molly, Seamus, Roisin (pronounced Ro-SHEEN) aka Rosie, and Sean Patrick.

We’re Italian, obviously.

LOL! I wanted to name my daughter Roisin, but my now-ex wouldn’t go along. He was okay with Ryan and Patrick, but decided his spelling skills weren’t up to a name that “sounded nothing like it’s pronounced.”

Of course, he used to tell people my middle name was Yvonne.

It’s Siobhan.

Millineryman — am feeling a bit better today. I think all the sleep has been helping (that and the antibiotics). I can at least breathe this morning. :)

Here’s one of my favorite traditional records. Listen to the sample of Track 2: beautiful.

holleahock @ 57

I’m wondering why the MSM is ignoring the fact that the White House did nothing about an internal investigation about the Plame leak? Keith Olberman is the only person I watched that highlighted this fact.

Not to mention some of the clips they showed from the hearings were poorly choosen. I’m shocked, shocked! If Waxman holds another hearing, the WH security (or lack thereof) bit will likely resurface; if not, it will sink below the waves of bright, shiny things. grrrrrrrrrrr

My nomination for favorite: anything by Alison Krause’s muse, fiddler Richard Greene (www.richardgreene.net). His CD called Hands Across the Pond is a fabulous integration of Celtic and bluegrass, and so perfect for Americans celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, and his mastery of the fiddle is unparallelled.

Wonder what MSM coverage of the Washington rally & march today will be like? Anyone know if C-Span plans to cover it?

Marie Roget @58 - those are lovely pics! Must get to Ireland sometime and see it for myself.

My favorite pics in that link are of Fitz. Great to see him in a relaxed setting and having fun.

PA_Lady @ 66

LOL! I wanted to name my daughter Roisin, but my now-ex wouldn’t go along. He was okay with Ryan and Patrick, but decided his spelling skills weren’t up to a name that “sounded nothing like it’s pronounced.”

Of course, he used to tell people my middle name was Yvonne.

It’s Siobhan.

That’s hysterical! I do regret it sometimes, epecially when people pronounce it to rhyme with “poison” or “raisin,” but she’s a Rosie from head to toe, just like Janet Leigh in The Manchurian Candidate.

NPR ran a story today suggesting the law should be changed to permit non-native born politicians [um, Arnold] to become President.

Here is how they framed the argument–Are these people being deprived of their rights, or is America being deprived of their talents?

NPR list of those being deprived of rights–
Madeleine Albright
Henry Kissinger
Zbigniew Brzezinski
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Should we change the law?

Here are The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem performing The Minstrel Boy.

Balrog the Fascist Troll @
42

sofistic @
31

Well, St Patrick threw the snakes into the sea, except for the big one which he tricked into getting into a box, which he then threw into the sea. All kinds of imagry there, huh?

He left several on a plane, too.

0

And wouldn’t that be Balrog the Skiing Fascist Troll? Saints presairve us!

Sharkbabe @ 5

Oh, and - U.S. v. Toensing!

Now, now. Just because Henry Waxman repeatedly caught her LYING OUT HER ASS is no reason to wish ill upon her. (Oh, yes it is.)

JEP @ 63 — Oh, of course they’re going to slant this against Valerie Plame. There’s a reason I call them “The GOP/Media Complex”. But even the G/MC realized that Victoria Toensing did NOT do them any favors yesterday — hence her near-complete absence from most news accounts.

Christy: My favorite chune by the Cunningham boys is a sad weepy thing called “The Fishermen’s Song”, but “The Queen of Argyll” is good, too, as is “The Isla Waters” (which will be appropriate for today).

Maccamaw; I was a 22 year old kid from Iowa who had never seen the ocean, when I arrived hitchhiking into Myrtle Beach, just south of you.

Will never forget the first time I smelled the ocean was about 50 miles before I saw it… Thought sometone had died and no one buried the body…

Now I really miss it. Kansas is a long, long way from saltwater.

Marie Roget @ 58: We plan to spend a bit o’time on Dingle Peninsula. Gorgeous photos! Thanks.

mm@circa #74

It would take more than a change to the law. It would require an amendment to the Constitution.

Doubt that will happen.

Glad you’re feeling up to joining us this morning, Christy, was worried you were too illin’ to Pull Up A Chair.

Overeager hubby celebrated St. Patty’s last night, crawled back into the house in the wee hours. I think I have to punish him today by cranking up some Celtic tunes…

I’ll throw another one in the mix; I’m crazy about Afro-Celt Sound System. I could play their Volume 3: Further in Time days on end. It’s just enough Celtic, enough world music to satisfy all nature of musical itches.

mm @ 74

NPR ran a story today suggesting the law should be changed to permit non-native born politicians [um, Arnold] to become President.

Here is how they framed the argument–Are these people being deprived of their rights, or is America being deprived of their talents?

NPR list of those being deprived of rights–
Madeleine Albright
Henry Kissinger
Zbigniew Brzezinski
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Should we change the law?

Why, do they want to drive schoolbuses?

am partial to County Clare music myself- one favorite is the Ceili Bandits - check out their cd Hanging at the Crossroads
also Dervish just played a great gig in Corning NY last weekend - a very fun band - their cd Spirit is wonderful- Slan, barbara

Rayne—

Let him sleep. That way he’s not burning the toast.

Phoenix Woman at 77 — My two favorites of theirs are “If I Was A Blackbird” and the “Blackbird of Sweet Avondale” (off their Glint of Silver album). Great stuff. Saw them in concert live when I was in college — they were wonderful, and got to have a beer with them in between sets. :)

I am not Irish, except by marriage and fatherhood. Were I in New York on this grand day, I would be nowhere else but McSorley’s Old Ale House, just off Broadway on 8th St (I think; I can find it by muscle memory but I never know the exact address.)

And speakin’ of music, why not give a listen to the young, Celtic-flavored Crooked Still? They do a killer version of the murder ballad “The Lily of the West”, an old Joan Baez song, which they have renamed “Flora”, on their debut album “Hop High”. CD Baby has their music.

McSorley’s was there before we were born, and I’ve been drinking there for nearly four decades. Slainte! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Top o’ the mornin’, all-

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. My kids informed me that we need to listen to U2 all day.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

;-)

Well, maybe we’ll listen to “Pride” a couple times.

mornin’ y’all. had to shovel 3 driveways (elderly neighbors) and put the corned beef in the crock pot. we’re ready to go for St. Patrick’s Day dinner! the smell of hazelnut coffee is in the air. now dig in!

allan_in_upstate @
15

Nice inadvertantly subversive piece on NPR this morning.

Scott Simon interviewing two Republican stratergerists
(Donnatelli and Newhouse) about their side’s political problems, in particular Gonzalez. The Republican political class sees lying under oath to Congress purely as a public relations problem.
Both Donnatelli and Newhouse thought Gonzalez will survive. LOL

Unfortunately followed by an infuriating piece on Waxman’s Plamegate hearing yesterday. Andrea Seabrook treating it as a fashion show. Ugh.

I could not believe that Andrea Seabrook piece when I heard it this morning. Seemingly so innocent as it skips along, giving the same import to VPW’s compromised career and operative network as to “grandma” Watson’s “bright pink bow”. Ugh.

allan_in_upstate @ 15

Nice inadvertantly subversive piece on NPR this morning.

Scott Simon interviewing two Republican stratergerists
(Donnatelli and Newhouse) about their side’s political problems, in particular Gonzalez. The Republican political class sees lying under oath to Congress purely as a public relations problem.
Both Donnatelli and Newhouse thought Gonzalez will survive. LOL

Unfortunately followed by an infuriating piece on Waxman’s Plamegate hearing yesterday. Andrea Seabrook treating it as a fashion show. Ugh.

Because whatever they do, they can’t mention that WAXMAN CAUGHT TOENSING LYING UNDER OATH. So they choose to leave that bit out.

I love this site! Irish soda bread recipe, Celtic music, failure of the MSM, Constitutional amendment. Massachusetts, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Minnesota (that Houlihan’s?). Eclectic mix. Put it together and what have you got? Bibbity bobbity boo. (Too. Much. Coffee. Already.) Pay attention, Republics. We’ve got your scent. Phewwwww!!!

mm @ 74

NPR ran a story today suggesting the law should be changed to permit non-native born politicians [um, Arnold] to become President.

Here is how they framed the argument–Are these people being deprived of their rights, or is America being deprived of their talents?

NPR list of those being deprived of rights–
Madeleine Albright
Henry Kissinger
Zbigniew Brzezinski
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Should we change the law?

They forgot to add Joe Smith. Who’s he? He’s the unknown person from the future who has no loyalty to this country and is willing to harm it.

“Nice inadvertantly subversive piece on NPR this morning.”

Would that it were “inadvertant.”

mm @
74

NPR ran a story today suggesting the law should be changed to permit non-native born politicians [um, Arnold] to become President.

Here is how they framed the argument–Are these people being deprived of their rights, or is America being deprived of their talents?

NPR list of those being deprived of rights–
Madeleine Albright
Henry Kissinger
Zbigniew Brzezinski
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Should we change the law?

Please refer to Section 1 of Article 2 of the Constitution, which states:

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President…

OT, but:

Now I’m wondering how much the Vic billed for her committee appearance?

With preparation time, etc, the RNC probably owes her thousands and thousands.

heh, heh, heh

Molly Ivors @ 73

That’s hysterical! I do regret it sometimes, epecially when people pronounce it to rhyme with “poison” or “raisin,” but she’s a Rosie from head to toe, just like Janet Leigh in The Manchurian Candidate.

People live to mangle names. When people see my middle name on forms and whatnot, they always try to sound it out and then argue with my pronunciation. “Sha-vonne? Are you sure?”

My daughter ended up being Melanie, but her dad and I corrupted it, so she’s been Mollie from day one.

Good morning. I slept like a rock after a pretty tough week, so I’m late to the table this morning. You couldn’t have picked better music to awaken to. I am familiar with Stargate Atlantis, owning (so far) three seasons on DVD, but I missed the tune above. They used another tune in season three that sounds a lot like Loreena McKennitt. I need to track that one down. I have lots of Chieftains on tape, and I suppose I should update those to CD, since they’re pretty worn out. Also Clannad, Enya, and a mixture with the Chieftains, Sting, Mick Jagger, and others with some American musicians called “The Long Black Veil”, all on CD.

There’s also a CD of women musicians called “Women of the World: Celtic” that is excellent. One of my favorites on that one is a tune called “Against the Wind.”

Spent last summer in Bretagne France. Lots of Celtic Art including music, dance and parades.

What’s the instrument the seated musician is playing? The vaguely bagpipe-ish one, I mean. Excuse my ignorance.

First up is Shooglenifty, an electric group from Edinburgh. They play a mix of super danceable tunes and trancy club tracks. I first heard them live on the big stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. They got the crowd pogoing in the mud.

Next, the Tartan Amoebas. Imagine, if you will, a band with a bagpipe player and an R&B horn line. They play mix and match with musical styles. They always make me smile.

Enter the Haggis, a young group based in Toronto. They play a mix of originals and Canadian-flavored Scottish tunes. They are also utterly without shame. They play a thrashy version of “Scotland the Brave” that segues into “Hava Nagila.” Really. Also prone to inspire pogoing.

Glengarry Bhoys. I just heard these folks recently. They’ve got a more traditional folk flavor with strong French-Canadian influence. Their lead singer channels Jean Redpath in a good way.

[No, I’m not Canadian. I like to go north in the summer. The bands, being no fools, like to come south to Florida in the winter. :-)]

I actually like the earlier Chieftains stuff the best — pretty much anything up to and including Boil the Breakfast Early. And the Barry Lyndon soundtrack, which is better than the movie.

Now I’m thinking of Joe Cooley’s sadly wonderful rendition of “Last Night’s Fun” — sad, because he was dying at the time.

JEP @ 78

Maccamaw; I was a 22 year old kid from Iowa who had never seen the ocean, when I arrived hitchhiking into Myrtle Beach, just south of you.

Will never forget the first time I smelled the ocean was about 50 miles before I saw it… Thought sometone had died and no one buried the body…

Waccamaw, darlin’. *g*

Hope you saw Myrtle Beach many, many years ago b/c it’s turned into a horrible morass of bumper-to-bumper vehicles & wall-to-wall Mcbeach mansions.

It’s probably an *acquired* smell unless you grow up close to it, but odour de beach is wonderful if you have.

Note to all…..
CNN has Ava Lowery on right now (anti-war teen).

History 101.

Ollie North lying to congress was his patriotic duty, besides all Americans hold congress in contempt.

Bill Clinton lying was the most egregious act ever committed by a US politician worthy of his dismissal.

Irve Libby lying under oath was a perjury trap brought by an out of control special prosecutor.

Alberto Gonzales lying under oath is a mere public relations problem.

Got it.

-GSD

First generation Irish and my son Stefan, is 23 years old today!
The only thing I had wished that night is that my father had lived to see a grandson born on St. Patrick’s Day!!! The rest of the family was very pleased.

O K Guys, it was in the high 40’s this week, we had flood warnings and major flooding on Thurs. and Fri. and today we are having 10- 16 inches of snow!!!!!!!!!!
I was just beginning to see bare ground and had dreams of planting peas. And I’m having to use my snow blower instead of my roto tiller.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY & Thanks for the music

Capital J @ 99

What’s the instrument the seated musician is playing? The vaguely bagpipe-ish one, I mean. Excuse my ignorance.

Those are uilleann pipes, which as you can see from the video are like Scotch bagpipes, but the air’s supplied by a bellows (operated with one’s knee) instead of one’s lungs.

Haven’t seen a mention of the Saw Doctors. They’re from Tuam, which just happens to be the birthplace of my favorite brother-in-law. There are several clips on You Tube, but, unfortunately, I don’t know how to import the links!

Happy St. Patrick’s to all!

Capital J @ 99

What’s the instrument the seated musician is playing? The vaguely bagpipe-ish one, I mean. Excuse my ignorance.

I think they’re uilleann pipes the irish bagpipes

history buff alert -

Home Away From Home - The Yanks in Ireland

narrated by Walter Cronkite

documents WWII American military in Ireland -

worth it just for the 15 of it’s 58 minutes devoted to the story of the USS Mason - a destroyer escort with an African American crew and their refreshingly different treatment at the hands of the Irish - at a time when they were attacked by stateside dockworkers, the people of Derry simply referred to them as ‘Yanks’ - you’ll laugh, you’ll cry

oh and did I tell ya my daughter’s name is Deirdre ?

Potato(e) eating Irish here too. Good drinks, good stories, good fights and fiery women are my weakness.

Morning.

diane @ 104

First generation Irish and my son Stefan, is 23 years old today!

O K Guys, it was in the high 40’s this week, we had flood warnings and major flooding on Thurs. and Fri. and today we are having 10- 16 inches of snow!!!!!!!!!!
I was just beginning to see bare ground and had dreams of planting peas. And I’m having to use my snow blower instead of my roto tiller.

Happy Birthday Stefan!

This weather stinks. My bulbs had just started sending up those first little green stubs and now….they’re somewhere under all that snow. Thank heavens for the neighbor with the snow blower - he did all the sidewalks on our block and even dug my car out, at no charge. (He did however, accept a pan of brownies.)

oops…Waccamaw, not Maccamaw

some sort of twisted dyslexia made me flip the letters upside down…

I hope you don’t mind a dissenting opinion on Thistle and Shamrock. For decades, they’ve managed to convince practically everyone I know that for all practical purposes, folk music is a subset of Irish music. WTF is special about Irish folk music, out of all the world’s musical traditions? I sure can’t see it. At least as of a couple decades ago, we had a viable American folk music scene, but they couldn’t get onto public radio because NPR was too busy playing Irish folk music.

Between that and the fact that after more than a few songs in a row, Irish folk starts sounding repetitive to me, if Thistle and Shamrock disappeared from the airwaves tomorrow, I’d call it progress. A stroke of fortune, even.

Here’s a little Van Morrison, with The Chieftains, doing Carrickfergus. It’s a sad, beautiful song anyway, but Morrison just grabs my heart and twists it. Nothing like a few tears to start off St. Patrick’s Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?=8FNK7×7VgP4

Background music is by the Irish harpist, Aine Minogue. This’ll make you feel better after Carrickfergus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imer-Sa5×8Y

GSD @ 103

History 101.

Ollie North lying to congress was his patriotic duty, besides all Americans hold congress in contempt.

Bill Clinton lying was the most egregious act ever committed by a US politician worthy of his dismissal.

Irve Libby lying under oath was a perjury trap brought by an out of control special prosecutor.

Alberto Gonzales lying under oath is a mere public relations problem.

Got it.

-GSD

Yup, even though a) there is reasonable doubt as to whether Clinton actually “lied” (both he and Monica honestly didn’t think hummers = sex, as one of the phone conversations that Linda Tripp secretly taped showed), and b) the question to which he gave his answer had nothing to do with the matter at hand.

See, there are five criteria a statement must meet under United States Code to be considered perjury. Clinton’s statement may have met one of them. And as I’ve just noted, it wasn’t even lying under oath. That’s why he couldn’t be removed by the Senate.

Lord, pull-up-a-chair has become a post that I find necessary to copy, paste into a Word document, and then edit to include the lists of great recipes, books, ideas, music. I’m working on paring down the childhood books thread a couple of weeks ago. Anybody interested in the final compendium, I’d be happy to share it. Now I need to start a new such doc from this thread!

I got Sinead O’Connors CD of Irish songs from the library, and it really was wonderful. I’d like to mention the Wolfe Tones here. I have an old nearly broken down cassette of As Gaeilge, all in Irish, I’ve had since the early 90’s. While their music is Irish revolutionary, and I don’t have that bent so much anymore, it’s still lovely. (My father tried to instill in us an outrage against the British.)

This evening I’m throwing a BIG St. Pat’s party featuring 12 pounds of corned beef with all the accompaniments, and a houseful of crazy toddlers (about 12 kids, so far) on the rampage. Guinness, Irish coffees and apple martinis to help the parents’ nerves along.

BTW, if anyone remembers my comment about waiting for skin cancer results (thanks for the virtual cuppa tea, Christy! And here’s one back at you for your continued recovery), the results FINALLY came back, and I am clear. Slainte!

David Swanson at AfterDowningStreet live-blogged the hearings, link here. He notes that ‘The media left the room on Thursday when Valerie Plame did.’

So they missed the real stuff. I cannot imagine an editor sending a reporter out to cover part of a story like that, but that must be what happened. Do they think we are stupid and do not understand how committees work? FDL’s site stats indicate that there is a market for real news, and it’s not just us. Free Republic had over 1000 comments (Ed*ard Teller went and looked, he posted a selection on Late Night if you want tto read them. Pretty rabid, I suppose, but aside from the fact that they are on the other side, sounded about like us here…)

Henry Waxman’s Oversight-site reports that he has followed up the hearings yesterday with a letter to WH COStaff Joshua Bolton asking why the WH did not investigate the leak per Knodell’s testimony. Go Henry!

Our press does not work for us, our elected reps do not work for us, our appointed officials do not work for us. This is disturbing. (/channelling OKKiddo).

Thank you Jane, for inventing the Lake and assembling the FDL team; Christy, Pach, TRex and Siun. Thank you for growing this community with the eyes, ear and brains to watch Big Brother back, and take a bite out of him. And thank you for having the wisdom and courage to go for the throat. {{{{{ Jane }}}}}

Celtic Music at 113 — I love that combo with Van Morrison. Thanks so much for finding that vid. :)

I made soda bread last week and froze it to bring to a retirement party yesterday. I like golden raisins in mine. Tonight I’ll make an Irish dinner, I’ll make it up as I go along, but on the menu, pork, apples, leeks, scallions, potatoes and cabbage. However, I don’t like corned beef — that’s too “Amurican” anyway. I prefer pork or salmon for my Irish.

I like the Maura O’Connell, the Black sisters (Francis or Mary), Clannad, Cherish the Ladies, of course Enya & Chieftains & Sinead. Also Connie Dover, Maireid Sullivan… I haven’t kept up, though, on more recent acts.

Favorite song of all time is Siuil a Ruin. Have it from many different artists, but Clannad does it best.

Other favorites: Caledonia by Dolores Keane (or Dougie MacLean); Only a Woman’s Heart by Eleanor McEvoy & Mary Black; Blackbird by Sharon Shannon, and The Island from Dolores Keane:

They say the skies of Lebanon are burning
Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat
They’re showing pictures on the television
Women and children dying in the street
And we’re still at it in our own place
Still trying to reach the future thru’ the past
Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone.

But hey! Don’t listen to me!
Cos this wasn’t ment to be no sad song
We’ve heard to much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the morning dew comes falling
I want to take you to the island
And trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when the sun goes down
We’ll make love to the sound of the ocean.

They’re raising banners over by the markets
Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls
Witch doctors praying for a mighty showdown
No way our holy flag is gonna fall
Up here we scrifice our children
To feed the worn out dreams of yesterday
And teach them dying will lead us into glory
But hey! Don’t listen …

Now I know us plain folks don’t see all the story
And I know this peace and love’s just copping out
And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches
Is just what being free is all about
And how this twisted wreckage down on Main Street
Will bring us all together in the end
And we’ll go marching down the road to freedom
Freedom
[ these lyrics found on http://www.completealbumlyrics.com ]

That song makes me think about Dear Leader’s War on Terah.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! And Thank god for Patrick Fitzgerald and FDL.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 67

Millineryman — am feeling a bit better today. I think all the sleep has been helping (that and the antibiotics). I can at least breathe this morning. :)

Breathing is important, keep it up. :)

JoyB at 115 — I’d love the finally compendium on the kiddie lit thread. And not just for The Peanut. either. ;-) (And SO glad your results were good ones. Boo yah!)

Has anyone seen this film Wind that Shakes the Barley yet?

It won the Palme D’or this year with a unanimous vote by the judges. I’ll probably have to drive a few hours to see it. But I’m looking forward to it.

It reminded me of Tommy Makem’s acappella version of the song. Just a gorgeous tune.

Christy, thanks for the inspiration. My loaf just went in the oven.

egregious,
Gaelic Storm performs in the N.E. Iowa, N.W. Illinois area at least four times a year and my wife and I try not to miss a performance.
Love their music.

Allan in Upstate,
That lying to Congress thingy as a public relations problem is only if you lie to a Demo. Congress. Rule of Law doncha know. *g*

Do you want me to post it on next week’s pull-up-a or just email it to fdl? Whatever works best for everybody!

JoyB @ 115

Lord, pull-up-a-chair has become a post that I find necessary to copy, paste into a Word document, and then edit to include the lists of great recipes, books, ideas, music. I’m working on paring down the childhood books thread a couple of weeks ago. Anybody interested in the final compendium, I’d be happy to share it. Now I need to start a new such doc from this thread!
[snip]

Hate to think how many of these I have stuck in a folder waiting for attention; nice to meet a soul mate. ;-)

My husband plays irish fiddle, and I’ll be a music widow all day…

Favorite groups: Altan (Mirad N Mhaonaigh has the most amazing voice, and she’s a fine fiddler too), Lunasa and Sharon Shannon. On this side of the pond: Solas, Liz Carroll/Trian

Man, it is pouring the snow outside. Dang it, just when my daffodils had started to bud up, too. Hopefully this will be a short-lived storm, because I am more than ready for some spring flowers. Better get my rear end outside today and refill the bird feeders — they’ve been neglected this week while I’ve been sick, and the chickadees are ready to mutiny.

Waccamaw;
So sorry to hear about Myrtle Beach, it was just starting to turn into what it has apparently become when I was there in the early 70’s, you could see it coming but it was still pretty homey at the time.

And isn’t the same story we hear about so many of our favorite old places, they have turned into tourist traps with more condos and coffeeshops than bait houses and backwater getaways.

ps. not all redheads are Irish, some of us hail from The Highlands (My great-great gramdma was Mary St. Clair). Although some recent genealogolical studies have proven conclusively that the Irish, the English (pre-William the C) and, yes, the SCOTS, are all much more closely related than any of them want to confess to.

Christy is my fourth favorite Reddhedd. My mom has red hair, my brother has red hair and my sister has red hair.

Good Morning, all! Coffee’s ready!

I must admit, I’m rather glad St. Patty’s Day fell on the weekend… something about 600 kids at school all pinching each other that isn’t all that much fun to supervise…

Pulled out the Clannad cds for today, also the Corrs. Here’s a lovely Corrs version of Lough Erin Shore:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpXAtVLuw1E

O’OC at 129 — Ah yes, the St/ Patty’s Day pinching at school. Yeah, that brings back memories. *snerk*

Christy—

I’m laughing at the image of little chickadees frowning and tapping their tiny toes waiting for food.

Capital J @ 99

What’s the instrument the seated musician is playing? The vaguely bagpipe-ish one, I mean. Excuse my ignorance.

Could be a sackbut, no.. that’s a kind of trombone, or what they are going to do to this administration?

Christy Hardin Smith @ 126

Man, it is pouring the snow outside. Dang it, just when my daffodils had started to bud up, too. Hopefully this will be a short-lived storm, because I am more than ready for some spring flowers. Better get my rear end outside today and refill the bird feeders — they’ve been neglected this week while I’ve been sick, and the chickadees are ready to mutiny.

I was just up in your neck of the woods, Christy. I had to deliver up by lake Eerie in PA. We set the compressor on Thursday a.m. with snowflakes falling the size of microwave ovens. I planned on stopping by on my return trip, but it was about 11 p.m. when I went by your town.

I wonder if Rove is polishing his codpiece…

Christy Hardin Smith @ 131

O’OC at 129 — Ah yes, the St/ Patty’s Day pinching at school. Yeah, that brings back memories. *snerk*

usually I’m not adverse to a little chaos, but that pinching business kinda shoves it all over the cliff

;-/

Unfortunately, CNN stepping up coverage of the “foreign nationals applying for jobs as school bus drivers”. Rove to the MSM……….find something new to stir up the sheeple. Dobbs will probably go ballastic as well. Oh, spit!

Waccamaw @ 124
I am honored! Yes, trying to live more purposefully is causing me to try to attend to my little folders of good intentions! There are a lot of them.

Here’s a clip from Circle of Friends with Altan supplying the music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ge0Q5sCcEY

Thank heavens for Christy

We had snow followed by feezing rain last night so the mound where the snowplow plowed in our driveyway is completely frozen solid and we cannot get out of the driveway even with 4 wheel drive.
Littleprop is heartbroken because we were planning to go the the St. Pat’s parade on 5th AVenue in manhattan and now she is afraid we won’t be able to go.
I was feeling kinda low about the whole thing, and there is Christy talking about Thislte and Shamrock (a great fave of mine) and soda bread and all things dear to my heart.

Thank you

I am also so glad to see you feeling better

The great Gaels of Ireland
The men that God made mad
For all their wars were merry
and all their songs of love were sad
G.K. Chesterton

Cead Mile Failche and Happy St. Patty’s Day

I’m looking forward to the corn beef for dinner tonight.

Alison Krauss […] and I’ve always loved her haunting, bluegrass lilt […]

Thanks Christy, I couldn’t agree more.

Because I needed to see this again:

HotFlash @ 116

Henry Waxman’s Oversight-site reports that he has followed up the hearings yesterday with a letter to WH COStaff Joshua Bolton asking why the WH did not investigate the leak per Knodell’s testimony. Go Henry!

I was outside a little while ago chipping away at the frozen mess that surrounds my house. I’m glad I went out last night around 10 pm and shoveled the sidewalk. When I went out to feed the birds, everything was frozen solid.

o/t

2 via Josh

Breaking - Helen Thomas keeps her front row seat

even 45% Republicans think USA firings were political

LHP at 140 — Well, I’m having a piece of leftover soda bread from yesterday’s baking this morning, and some lovely tea — and feeling quite a bit better this morning. Just refilled the feeders, so the chickadees have stopped tapping their little toes, and all is right with the world — watching Saturday cartoons with The Peanut.

My birdfeed is also neglected. I must get out there! I put out some hot pepper laced suet earlier this winter, to keep the squirrels away, and the woodpeckers really haven’t gone for it. I was surprised, and disheartened, as I do get woodpeckers. (I do, stupidly, feed my pet squirrels directly. Now they stand up with their fat, white tummies against my sliding glass door.) Anybody else find no success with hot pepper suet? My peanut butter suet went like mad. (Well, maybe from starlings…)

JoyB @ 148

My birdfeed is also neglected. I must get out there! I put out some hot pepper laced suet earlier this winter, to keep the squirrels away, and the woodpeckers really haven’t gone for it. I was surprised, and disheartened, as I do get woodpeckers. (I do, stupidly, feed my pet squirrels directly. Now they stand up with their fat, white tummies against my sliding glass door.) Anybody else find no success with hot pepper suet? My peanut butter suet went like mad. (Well, maybe from starlings…)

Aww, squirrels gotta eat, too.

I usually lurk but can’t resist adding to the conversation. Two of my favorite Irish fiddlers are Kevin Burke and Martin Hayes. If you ever have a chance to see either of them, do! I, myself, play “old time” fiddle, which is essentially Irish/British Isles music that was changed in the mountains of Appalachia when the musicians came in contact with Africans and Native Americans. I love it and since I was born in West Virginia and my great grandfather was an Irish fiddler, it makes sense for me! A couple of my favorite West Virginia fiddlers are the late Melvin Wine and the late Eddn Hammons. In their music, one can hear the connections to the past.

Here’s the crux of another BIG LIE from the R’s, dismissing oversight as partisan hackery. It will grow louder, the closer wqe get to the next election, and they will spin it like a top to try to hold onto their brainwashed base. Fortunately, “some of the people all of the time” is not a club most of us woudl choose to be in.

From the Boston Globe;

“And while Republicans have contended that the Democrats are simply out to settle old scores, Democratic committee members say they are finally providing the oversight that was lacking when the GOP controlled both chambers of Congress and the White House.”

“Oversight” equals “revenge” in the Roveluntzian dictionary… they will frame it that way until election day (and beyond.)

Remember Monica? That was truly an example oversight as political revenge.

I think it was Garrison Keilor who said “The Republicans made their peace with hypocrisy long ago.”

Just compare their poster-girl Monica to our own Lady of the Lake, Valerie Wilson.

That’s the best example I can think of, how their “crudeness” compares to our “class.

Tony McManus - Celtic guitarist - absolutely superb! Do not miss his CD with Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser called “Return to Kintail”! The slow tunes are sublime.

I’ve a friend who likes the singer Kate Rusby (as do I, though I’m not so much into singers).

And yes to Irish Mist!

BEB @ 150

I usually lurk but can’t resist adding to the conversation. Two of my favorite Irish fiddlers are Kevin Burke and Martin Hayes. If you ever have a chance to see either of them, do! I, myself, play “old time” fiddle, which is essentially Irish/British Isles music that was changed in the mountains of Appalachia when the musicians came in contact with Africans and Native Americans. I love it and since I was born in West Virginia and my great grandfather was an Irish fiddler, it makes sense for me! A couple of my favorite West Virginia fiddlers are the late Melvin Wine and the late Eddn Hammons. In their music, one can hear the connections to the past.

Great choices! We would try to make it down to Elkins to hear Melvin Wine at the old-time fiddler’s weekend. What a wonderful man.

BEB at 150 — Melvin Wine — now there’s a name I haven’t heard for a while. Sen. Byrd used to play a pretty mean fiddle in his day as well. I so wanted to learn to play an irish fiddle when I was younger but, alas, the fiddle and I were not meant to be. Maybe The Peanut will have better aptitude with the strings…

JEP-

I think it was Garrison Keilor who said “The Republicans made their peace with hypocrisy long ago.”

dead solid perfect - and another crosstitch pillow project if I ever saw one

lhp—if you’re still around:

Is OPR the big one?

From ThinkProgress:

Sampson Contradicts Gonzales Over Resignation

CBL;
How on Earth did you get that gaelic type on earlier? Do you have a lepruchan (sp?) hiding in your keyboard?

Ah Alison, my home girl from Champaign, IL!

Christy Hardin Smith @
126

Man, it is pouring the snow outside. Dang it, just when my daffodils had started to bud up, too. Hopefully this will be a short-lived storm, because I am more than ready for some spring flowers. Better get my rear end outside today and refill the bird feeders — they’ve been neglected this week while I’ve been sick, and the chickadees are ready to mutiny.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day Christy and all.

Christy.

Very glad to hear you’re feeling a little better. Please take care.

Look at the bright side in re your flowers. The snow might help protect your daffs from the cold. At least that’s the way it works around here lots of times.

I’m sorely vexed this morn. All this talk of snakes & St. Paddy, & nary a mention of somethin’ else we treasure in my neck o’ th’ woods.

THE HINCKLEY VULTURES RETURNED ON SCHEDULE this past week. YAYYYYYYY!
Please wish them well ;->

p.s., I know. Surely some kind soul welcomed them on an earlier thread, but I missed a lot while I was glued to the telly sighing in admiration over Waxman & crew.

Loved watchin’ lil’ Victoria make a fool of herownself in front of the nation Friday. The lying’s been mentioned. But did anyone else notice that disgusting way she has of mincing around and flirtaciously waggling her -self, when she’s trying to be clever, cute, & catty at the same time? She’s dang LUCKY they didn’t show clips of her “act” during the dinner hour!
*g*

http://www.lizcarroll.com/

I saw/heard a great Celtic group called Iona last night. Actually SEEING Irish music played is a wonderful experience…..they use unique percussion and flute-like instruments, something called a “whistle” I believe. Plus the fiddle player in this band was like a wizard with the thing….and the way the players came together in absolute perfect sync was a marvel to witness.

Since I love Celtic music but don’t know much about it, I cast about
desparately for something to request…..all I could come up with was “Wild Rover.” THough they don’t do “pub tunes,” they graciously humored me with a few bars (haw haw).

Do catch Iona if they come to your town.

(Also, for XM radio listeners, channel 200 is doing “pub tunes” all day today.)

Listening to the Dubliners’s Galway Races, The Irish Navy, etc…! Up Ireland and f*ck the Queen!

JoyB @ 148

My birdfeed is also neglected. I must get out there! I put out some hot pepper laced suet earlier this winter, to keep the squirrels away, and the woodpeckers really haven’t gone for it. I was surprised, and disheartened, as I do get woodpeckers. (I do, stupidly, feed my pet squirrels directly. Now they stand up with their fat, white tummies against my sliding glass door.) Anybody else find no success with hot pepper suet? My peanut butter suet went like mad. (Well, maybe from starlings…)

I tried all the varieties suet and had no luck either. I tried the niger seed socks to attract Goldfinches and that didn’t work either. So now I put food out and let nature take it course.

falling down laughing b/c in thinking back to Mr. Berenson’s immunity fishing expedition of 2 days ago - isn’t it Gonzales he’d be asking ?!?!?

JEP - just got lucky cutting and pasting ;)

While we’re on the subject of music, here’s a late April festival in North Carolina to look forward to:

http://www.merlefest.org/

Hope @ 32

Christy, thanks for the recipe! I think there’s a typo - should be whole wheat FLOUR, not bread (yes?).

Thanks for the clarification. I spent a few frustrating minutes trying to find out what 2 1/2 cups of bread looked like, and why it was still sitting around, unused, at the end of the recipe.

I really need things to make sense . . . kinda like a lawyer or a Plameologist in that regard, huh?

Opps — yeah, it is flour — not bread on the whole wheat. I fixed the post. Sorry gang.

I imagine the Republicans want to change the laws wrt Arnold. Arnold would make it very easy for them to steal the election. I, for one, can’t stand the man and I have never even seen any of his movies except the one with Devito, I think it was.

For your reading pleasure and edification…try Trinity by Leon Uris. It’s historical fiction that “documents” Ireland’s struggle for independence. When you read it see if you don’t find some striking similarities between the Protestant aristocracy and the way they treated the Catholics and the way our own government is behaving as we speak. It’s like they took a page out of each of the worst regimes they could find and used a bit of each to achieve their goals.

Jep, Myrtle Beach, and the coast, is still here. It’s just that it’s being paved at a ridiculous rate. It’s one of the fastest growing areas of the country. A realtor’s wet dream, as the developers can fill in wetlands like you’d throw a candy wrapper into a trash can.

Sorry to disillusion you, but it’s a horror story of vast tracts of woods and wildlife habitat being bulldozed for golf courses and condos. You wouldn’t recognize it now, and the traffic jams!

“The Grand Strand” is anything BUT grand, these days.

Can’t resist putting in my oar about all things Irish. I’m gonna put some of the Rankin Family cd’s in the player, then later watch “Waking Ned Devine” and a few “Father Ted” shows on the DVD. And drink some guiness.

Christy at 124,
Yes, I’ve heard abour Robert Byrd’s fiddling and think it’s pretty great that he played. Another fiddler from West Virginia that I’ve met is Bobby Taylor, who is fabulous. He said that he plays for Sen. Byrd now. I really love the West Virginia style fiddlers and can name many of them, including Wilson Douglas and Ernie Carpenter. West Virginia and has a rich musical traditon and the Augusta Heritage Center workshops in Elkins are a treasure. I was born down the road in Buckhannon and hope to go the “Clifftop” festival this summer in West Virginia. I always loved the fiddle myself and thought I couldn’t do it either, but then I started taking lessons and playing with other folks, and before I knew it (well, ten years or so) I can really truly play the fiddle! (It does help that my husband plays the banjo) But exposing peanut to the music early on can really help. I really envy those fiddlers who started young-it is so effortless for them.

BEB @ 150

I usually lurk but can’t resist adding to the conversation. Two of my favorite Irish fiddlers are Kevin Burke and Martin Hayes. If you ever have a chance to see either of them, do! I, myself, play “old time” fiddle, which is essentially Irish/British Isles music that was changed in the mountains of Appalachia when the musicians came in contact with Africans and Native Americans. I love it and since I was born in West Virginia and my great grandfather was an Irish fiddler, it makes sense for me! A couple of my favorite West Virginia fiddlers are the late Melvin Wine and the late Eddn Hammons. In their music, one can hear the connections to the past.

Melvin Wine! I actually heard him play, the dear. He was at a music festival I attended. His “Hannah at the Springhouse” is lovely and eerie.

The great thing about the old-time music is that you can hear not just the Scotch-Irish-English bedrock, but the African influences as well — note the presence of call-and-response in such tunes as “Holly Ding”, and the use of line repitition; that’s all African in origin.

Good morning everyone, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

My maternal grandparents emigrated from Ireland. I’ll make some soda bread later and toast my parents with some Guinness, but in the meantime, we were talking about music, weren’t we?

We have loved Natalie MacMaster since we saw her and her band on ABC’s Year 2000 coverage. I hope to visit Cape Breton someday. We also enjoy Loreena McKennitt, Enya, Clannad and the Celtic channel on Rhapsody, but every summer, the Wicked Tinkers visit our little town. You haven’t lived till you’ve heard traditional Irish music played on a digideroo! http://www.wickedtinkers.com

Slainte, everyone!
-S

Tanbark @ 171

Jep, Myrtle Beach, and the coast, is still here. It’s just that it’s being paved at a ridiculous rate. It’s one of the fastest growing areas of the country. A realtor’s wet dream, as the developers can fill in wetlands like you’d throw a candy wrapper into a trash can.

Sorry to disillusion you, but it’s a horror story of vast tracts of woods and wildlife habitat being bulldozed for golf courses and condos. You wouldn’t recognize it now, and the traffic jams!

“The Grand Strand” is anything BUT grand, these days.

that is so sad. i used to go there as a kid.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone.

And a big happy birthday to my friend PAT who will read here later today! Mr. Dido & I are looking forward to your visit in a very big way.

Grew up on the Clancy Brothers and have recently been listening to them almost around the clock.

Waccamaw, if you’re still around: thanks for your nice words last week. I left you a reply at the end of Siun’s post last Sunday.

JoyB @ 148

Anybody else find no success with hot pepper suet? My peanut butter suet went like mad. (Well, maybe from starlings…)

Strange. Our squirrels (Fox, Gray & Red) never bother the suet. I’m gonna suggest you might try putting out plain suet, ’cause your squirrels might be mainly interested in the peanut butter. I used to mix up fancy concoctions, but our woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied) all made it emphatically clear they prefer their suet “straight up”, no additives. (oh, and Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice all agree).
Sure is easier too, heh. (I use it just as it comes from the meat cooler at the store, & just cut off big hunks to fit the feeder.)

Starlings can be a problem. The ones around here gave up on our suet when I tried a simple remedy. I noticed they only got at it when they could sit on top of the feeder & reach it from there. So now I don’t fill the suet feeder all the way to the top, and the starlings have all gone elsewhere. Everyone else mentioned above is able to hang onto the sides & bottom of the feeder, & some seem to prefer eating upside-down. Go figure.
Oh, and I only use suet feeders that completely enclose the suet. Starlings & even crows just take the whole block of suet out, otherwise.
Hope this helps. ;->

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, Christy!

I’m off to see my friend march in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade here in Columbus, and then to the Vet to drink beer. Lots of beer.

Slainte!

Wrt Victoria Toensing Toesuck, a few people yesterday mentioned that Waxman is going to hold her accountable, but in addition, the local BAR could too. Can we can bring pressure to bear on whatever BAR licenses her, to hold her accountable as someone who testified that she was an “expert” on the IIPA?

Credit for “Toesuck” afaik, goes to TBogg.

Christy, I’m also a longtime fan of Silly Wizard — also, from that period, Planxty (both before & after Christy Moore’s departure to begin his solo career), Bothy Band, Tannahill Weavers, Boys of the Lough, etc. I remember that period of the late 70’s-early 80’s. Back then, the Chieftains were pretty much it for Celtic music, and they sounded a little old-fashioned. Suddenly, these younger musicians appeared on the scene, and it all changed. I remember hearing a Bothy Band tape for the first time — a hellacious live set — and I said to myself, these guys have the traditional chops, but it’s also clear that they grew up listening to rock’n'roll. There was an energy in their music that you didn’t get from the Chieftains. (These days, the Chieftains do have that kind of groove, but mostly because of Matt Molloy, who started with the Bothys, and Kevin Cunniff on bodhran & vocals.)
Now there are all sorts of musicians pushing the envelope even more: Eileen Ivers, Seamus Eagan, Battlefield Band, Solas, Dropkick Murphys, etc. It’s a grand time to be a Celtic music fan!

Happy St Pat’s to one and all, and may you be in heaven for an hour before the devil knows you’ve died!

Back in the dark ages, when only therapods roamed the earth, Loreena McKennitt was a busker outside the Saturday morning farmer’s market. I would take my 2 year old daughter with me, and she would dance and dance and dance in front of McKennitt. When it was time to finish the shopping, I would give her some money, and she would delightedly throw it into the harp case. They loved each other’s work, I think.

It is good to know that all that busking allowed her to make her art without loans and managers and record companies to force her away from the untrodden path.

Phoenix Woman @ 174
You are right about the African influences in the music. One of my all time favorite musicians is Bruce Molsky who also is a great teacher and he has shown me some bowing patterns that duplicate some African drumming patterns!
And Melvin was amazing. Even well into his nineties, he could play his tunes better than ever.
What festival did you hear him at? I have been to the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes almost every year in Port Townsend, WA and to “Clifftop” which is officially called “The Appalachian String Band Festival” in West Virginia.

I’m off to the store for ingredients for Ham and Cabbage, Soda Bread, and dessert …… any suggestions for a great Irish dessert?

John Casper @ 181

Wrt Victoria Toensing Toesuck, a few people yesterday mentioned that Waxman is going to hold her accountable, but in addition, the local BAR could too. Can we can bring pressure to bear on whatever BAR licenses her, to hold her accountable as someone who testified that she was an “expert” on the IIPA?

Credit for “Toesuck” afaik, goes to TBogg.

her audacity and arrogance yesterday was truly amazing - even for her.

Morning everyone.I love, love, LOVE the June Tabor and Maddy Prior album Silly Sisters

http://www.amazon.com/Silly-Si.....B000000E76 (sorry couldn’t figure out how to do the linky thing)

Every song on this album is terrific,but scroll down an listen to “Grey Funnel Line” it’s really lovely

sofistic @ 133

Capital J @ 99

What’s the instrument the seated musician is playing? The vaguely bagpipe-ish one, I mean. Excuse my ignorance.

Could be a sackbut, no.. that’s a kind of trombone, or what they are going to do to this administration?

707!

The instrument has to be some kind of bagpipe, but I’m not that familliar with those intstruments to give any more specifics.

It’s always a weird St. Patty’s day around here. We have a “mixed family”. My spouse was raised by his British parents to always wear bright orange on St. Patty’s Day as a protetst. Funny thing is that all the kids in his family married into Irish American families!

This morning, I had to tease my husband when I noticed he accidentally put on a green shirt, not realizing what day it is. I think he gave up the actual orange protest a couple decades ago, but I still like to tease him about it.

Time for me to get to work. I hope everyone has a great day.

Millineryman at 164

With suet, see if anything I mentioned at 179 helps.

Re your hopes for Goldfinches, they seem to do a lot of wandering in the winter, most places. Have patience. But you probably are wise not to waste the expensive niger thistle seed until they show up. Ours LOVE oil sunflower seed in the tube feeders. Sometimes, when we have let the feeders go empty, they will disappear for a week or more. And they often seem to travel around in mixed flocks with House Finches, fwiw.

blue e — like bread pudding?

Christy, I’m teaching Celtic archaeology this semester, so I’ve been listening to quite a bit of Celtic music to keep the juices flowing. I’m financially limited to what I can check out at the library, but I’ve copied a nice selection of the Chieftains and Clannad to add to the Enya and Loreena McKennett I already had. (I tend to like the Chieftains better than what I’ve heard of the Clancy Brothers…the one CD I found of theirs is a bit long on the British-done-us-wrong songs, and I like my music more upbeat than that.)

Alison @ 184

Back in the dark ages, when only therapods roamed the earth, Loreena McKennitt was a busker outside the Saturday morning farmer’s market. I would take my 2 year old daughter with me, and she would dance and dance and dance in front of McKennitt. When it was time to finish the shopping, I would give her some money, and she would delightedly throw it into the harp case. They loved each other’s work, I think.

It is good to know that all that busking allowed her to make her art without loans and managers and record companies to force her away from the untrodden path.

I never knew that. Nice to hear about buskers making good; I find street musicians to be a far-underrated part of the local culture.

Waccamaw, sorry about the name. Probably EPU’d now. I think “Sally’d” will overtake EPU if the threads are checked. Usually always too late. Story of my life!

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
166

While we’re on the subject of music, here’s a late April festival in North Carolina to look forward to:

http://www.merlefest.org/

Merle is Doc Watson’s son. Doc used to always start an incredible guitar bridge w/the words, “How do you feel about it, Merle?”

Doc established this festival to remember him, since Merle was killed in a tractor accident a good long time ago.

I’ve been @ every Doc concert here in So Cal. (shoutout to McCabe’s on SM Blvd). Real back porch bluegrass music. So wish I could be there in NC again.

lina @ 187

her [Toensing’s] audacity and arrogance yesterday was truly amazing - even for her.

It takes work to outdo her regular performance in those areas! I sincerely hope she hears from Waxman again, preferably with the words “perjury” and “contempt” figuring prominently in the communication.

yum … bread pudding
thanks Christy, I’m on it

Happy St. Paddy’s to everyone! And a toast to yer health, one and all.

I guess there has been speckulatin’ about why no WH investigation? They don’t need one. They have known all along.

Just listened to The Rising of the Moon and what they sing about is not much different than what we are doing — Uprising!

If you haven’t seen this other excellent diary at dKos today, check it out. It shows how Bush is in a quandry - either he has to admit that he, himself signed off on each US Attorney fired, or the firings were illegal. Comments by Snow & Perino indicate the President wasn’t directly involved. Comments Gonzales made further confuse the issue.

Could this be why the WH has decided to hold off on giving the Congress any info on the Attorney firings just yet? According to Conyers (hat tip to TPMmuckraker), the WH has sent them a letter saying they won’t comply with the investigation yet, and do not know when they will be submitting requested info to the Congressional committee. Sounds like they need some time to figure out exactly what their strategery is, cuz they’re in a corner.

P.S. the other excellent diary at dKos is by litigatormom re: Toensing.

EvilDrPuma @ 192

….(I tend to like the Chieftains better than what I’ve heard of the Clancy Brothers…the one CD I found of theirs is a bit long on the British-done-us-wrong songs, and I like my music more upbeat than that.)

EDP: the Clancy Brothers have about a million albums out, and many of them are very upbeat. All their concert albums are really great. Give them another try some time.

new thread

The Washington Post article on yesterday’s hearing makes no mention of Ms. Vickie.

Haaaaaa!

LandOfTheFree @ 189

sofistic @ 133

Capital J @ 99

Could be a sackbut, no.. that’s a kind of trombone, or what they are going to do to this administration?

707!

The instrument has to be some kind of bagpipe, but I’m not that familliar with those intstruments to give any more specifics.

It’s always a weird St. Patty’s day around here. We have a “mixed family”. My spouse was raised by his British parents to always wear bright orange on St. Patty’s Day as a protetst. Funny thing is that all the kids in his family married into Irish American families!

This morning, I had to tease my husband when I noticed he accidentally put on a green shirt, not realizing what day it is. I think he gave up the actual orange protest a couple decades ago, but I still like to tease him about it.

Time for me to get to work. I hope everyone has a great day.

Hey, all you budding music scholars in the audience, Sackbut really is an instrument, & precurser to Trombone. For pure tone quality, tho, you want a Bass Rackett! (pronounced like “base”). Picture an oboe attached to a washtub, with a sound, on its best days, just like jr’s flatulance. I kid you not! Go get a CD of medieval music outta your library; something by Praetorius might do the trick.

OT: Bush learned a new word, didn’t he?

Bush: Dems Try to Micromanage Iraq War

Excerpt: Unfortunately, some in Congress are using this bill as an opportunity to micromanage our military commanders, force a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq and spend billions on domestic projects that have nothing to do with the war on terror,” Bush said in his weekly radio address. “Many in Congress say they support the troops, and I believe them. Now they have a chance to show that support in deed, as well as in word.”

Gee, I thought micromanaging was okay. It didn’t seem to bother Bush when Cheney micromanaged the prewar intelligence fabrication gathering.

In the Irish spirit of the day, let me say in conclusion: “Fuck the King!”

If you’d like to check out some Celtic with a twist, listen to Sousana Seivane and google the music of (Spanish) Galicia and Asturia. Try to find “Marcha procesional dos Mato”, and “Tres muineiras”. Good stuff..

Blue Dido @ 201

EDP: the Clancy Brothers have about a million albums out, and many of them are very upbeat. All their concert albums are really great. Give them another try some time.

If I get the chance. I’ve never seen more than the one at the library, but I’d be happy to change my first impression. Those boys have some great voices!

AZ Matt @ 203

The Washington Post article on yesterday’s hearing makes no mention of Ms. Vickie.

Haaaaaa!

Look. Give the “lady?” a break, heh. If she had an ounce of sense, she must be/should be absolutely mortified at her performance. Maybe she even paid, or threatened them to keep from revisiting the agony.
Haaaaaa!!!

Happy St. Pat’s day, from a member of the Kelly clan. I’ll be playing some Floggin Molly and Dropkick Murphys (grins) along with the Dubliners!

Adie @ 179

JoyB @ 148

Anybody else find no success with hot pepper suet? My peanut butter suet went like mad. (Well, maybe from starlings…)

Strange. Our squirrels (Fox, Gray & Red) never bother the suet. I’m gonna suggest you might try putting out plain suet, ’cause your squirrels might be mainly interested in the peanut butter. I used to mix up fancy concoctions, but our woodpeckers [snip] Starlings & even crows just take the whole block of suet out, otherwise.
Hope this helps. ;->

Adie, this DOES help. Thank you! It’ll save me some money, too.

EDP @ 207: I promise if you can find any of their concert albums, you won’t be sorry. The Children’s Medley on one of them is really great for kids, but they’re all really lively and fun.

Top o’ the morning doggies! Coming late to the party this morning, but what a topic Christy! I spent 6 weeks over in Ireland when I was in college and it was a most amazing trip. Marie, thanks for the pix of Dingle-looking down towards the sea from the top of Conner Pass is something I will never forget.

My favorite irish band is the Dubliners-saw them in a concert hall in Dublin, and was hooked ver since. Here’s a taste:
Whiskey in the Jar

Started listening to Dropkick Murphys after seeing The Departed, they kick ass too. “Kiss Me I’m Shitfaced!”

Slainte!

egregious @
84

Rayne—

Let him sleep. That way he’s not burning the toast.

Heh. Too late.

I seriously think he’s got a problem with his sense of smell.

Maybe his eyesight needs to be checked, too, because the smoke roiling up and out of the toaster should be a clue.

Adie @ 204

Hey, all you budding music scholars in the audience, Sackbut really is an instrument, & precurser to Trombone. For pure tone quality, tho, you want a Bass Rackett! (pronounced like “base”). Picture an oboe attached to a washtub, with a sound, on its best days, just like jr’s flatulance. I kid you not! Go get a CD of medieval music outta your library; something by Praetorius might do the trick.

I know that (already a music scholar LOL). I was amused by the “sackbutt the admin” joke.

And never, ever attach an oboe to a washtub. Don’t even compare an oboe sound to a rackett - for your own good! Oboe players carry sharp reedknives and are prone to being rather hot tempered ;)

bass rackett, as per my 204 ;->

http://www.musicaviva.com/inst.....e=brackett

Millineryman @ 164:

Yes, I’m trying to “let go” a bit on the attraction strategies, too, but would somebody PLEASE eat that dang pepper suet, or I’ll have to eat myself.

I do know the squirrels are certainly giving me a thumbs up on everything else I do around here, so I guess I should comfort myself with that.

Eat IT myself. IT. Not “eat myself.” God, I wish I could edit.

LandOfTheFree @ 214

Adie @ 204

Hey, all you budding music scholars in the audience, Sackbut really is an instrument, & precurser to Trombone. For pure tone quality, tho, you want a Bass Rackett! (pronounced like “base”). Picture an oboe attached to a washtub, with a sound, on its best days, just like jr’s flatulance. I kid you not! Go get a CD of medieval music outta your library; something by Praetorius might do the trick.

I know that (already a music scholar LOL). I was amused by the “sackbutt the admin” joke.

And never, ever attach an oboe to a washtub. Don’t even compare an oboe sound to a rackett - for your own good! Oboe players carry sharp reedknives and are prone to being rather hot tempered ;)

okayyyyy. see you & raise one oboist.
NO. REALLY. Sonny is pro classical oboist.
And prouder, his mommy & daddy could not be;->

But you are indeed correct about the knives, altho not the temper. He’s as sweet as they come! Oh, & so is his tone. But you’re right on another count - he’d be none-too-pleased to be compared to a rackett.

Cheers! Music Scholar! May you live long and prosper!

I forget who to tip my hat to for this one, but I recently read a great Irish joke:

Bono and U2 were playing a concert in Ireland recently, when he implored the crowd to be quiet. When everybody had settled down, Bono slowly clapped his hands together. After he had done this for 30 seconds, he spoke: “Every time I clap my hands, a child dies in Africa.”

Out of the crowd a lone voice said “Well stop fookin’ doin’ it then!”

JoyB @ 210

Adie @ 179

JoyB @ 148

Strange. Our squirrels (Fox, Gray & Red) never bother the suet. I’m gonna suggest you might try putting out plain suet, ’cause your squirrels might be mainly interested in the peanut butter. I used to mix up fancy concoctions, but our woodpeckers [snip] Starlings & even crows just take the whole block of suet out, otherwise.
Hope this helps. ;->

Adie, this DOES help. Thank you! It’ll save me some money, too.

happy to be of service. hope it helps. we loves our squirrels around here, but they can be a pain… *g* ;->

HotFlash @ 149

JoyB @ 148

My birdfeed is also neglected. I must get out there! I put out some hot pepper laced suet earlier this winter, to keep the squirrels away, and the woodpeckers really haven’t gone for it. I was surprised, and disheartened, as I do get woodpeckers. (I do, stupidly, feed my pet squirrels directly. Now they stand up with their fat, white tummies against my sliding glass door.) Anybody else find no success with hot pepper suet? My peanut butter suet went like mad. (Well, maybe from starlings…)

Aww, squirrels gotta eat, too.

our squirrels love oil sunflower seed, & we have yet to find any way to keep them from getting to it, so they’re fat & sassy too, never fear…

Landofthefree at 214:

And never, ever attach an oboe to a washtub. Don’t even compare an oboe sound to a rackett - for your own good! Oboe players carry sharp reedknives and are prone to being rather hot tempered ;)

I once knew an oboe player who said the worst band in the world consisted of an oboe and a banjo.

Thanks for the links. Good stuff.

One of my favs here in the Boston area is the WGBH radio show “A Celtic Sojourn” which airs on Saturdays. A great show that covers the totality of celtic music, so it’s much more than the typical. The show after 9/11 was something to behold. And they have annual St. Pats Day and Xmas shows that are excellent as well. Their archive back a few months is online:

A Celtic Sojourn on WGBH Radio

Adie @ 190

Millineryman at 164

With suet, see if anything I mentioned at 179 helps.

Re your hopes for Goldfinches, they seem to do a lot of wandering in the winter, most places. Have patience. But you probably are wise not to waste the expensive niger thistle seed until they show up. Ours LOVE oil sunflower seed in the tube feeders. Sometimes, when we have let the feeders go empty, they will disappear for a week or more. And they often seem to travel around in mixed flocks with House Finches, fwiw.

Thanks! It’s funny, I see goldfinches on the perimiter of where I live. I’m in a grove of oak trees, in an former Methodist summer camp, however they don’t seem to wander back here. I had the sock up for almost a year. I’m going to try the tube.

Silly Wizard was probably my favorite group of all time. 25 years ago they came to Kansas City and we went to the concert despite the fact that I was in early labor with my son. I kept having to get up and leave during that concert. When our son was born the next day, we named him after Andrew Stewart. OK it was a silly 80’s thing to do, but we were silly and it was the 80’s. We had tickets to see Stewart in New Orleans - he was scheduled the day Katrina hit - so we didn’t go. We have all the CD’s available and are missing one - can’t remember which one now. Think I’ll go load em on my IPOD. See - now we’re in the 21st century - IPODS instead of CD’s. Times change. Celtic music is amazing.

sofistic @ 222

Landofthefree at 214:

And never, ever attach an oboe to a washtub. Don’t even compare an oboe sound to a rackett - for your own good! Oboe players carry sharp reedknives and are prone to being rather hot tempered ;)

I once knew an oboe player who said the worst band in the world consisted of an oboe and a banjo.

depends on the oboist & banjo player, i’m a thinkin’. Ever heard Earl Scruggs?! Wahoooo!

When our kids were both in high school, we were seemingly always running fund-raisers for the music program. My favorite desperation idea, one that I never had the nerve to try, was to take the 2 kids, park them on somebody’s porch, & let ‘em play till the folks paid to have em leave.

Oh, by the way, one was oboe, the other - tuba.
Now THERE’s a combo to make ya weep!

- yet, there’s that haunting stuff from the “Close Encounters…” soundtrack….. ;->

Millineryman @ 224

Adie @ 190

Millineryman at 164

With suet, see if anything I mentioned at 179 helps.

Re your hopes for Goldfinches, they seem to do a lot of wandering in the winter, most places. Have patience. But you probably are wise not to waste the expensive niger thistle seed until they show up. Ours LOVE oil sunflower seed in the tube feeders. Sometimes, when we have let the feeders go empty, they will disappear for a week or more. And they often seem to travel around in mixed flocks with House Finches, fwiw.

Thanks! It’s funny, I see goldfinches on the perimiter of where I live. I’m in a grove of oak trees, in an former Methodist summer camp, however they don’t seem to wander back here. I had the sock up for almost a year. I’m going to try the tube.

Another trick… If you have spotted some in the area, try hanging a feeder or 2 out near where they are, with one closer to your house also, & lure them in that way.

Once they find out where you are, they shouldn’t be very shy at all. Our feeders are hung from the eaves of our house, right next to a picture window that serves as our cats’ sleepyplace.

Adie at 226.
I was joking. Really, I can imagine Bela Fleck with an oboe quite easily.

joy to all on Irish Patriots’ Day!

we start the day with a reading of this proclamation and then it’s on to a full day of singing and playing music, giving thanks to all the ancestors who came in coffin ships, were indentured servants in the colonies, who came fleeing the Famine, who came fleeing prosecution because they were members of the Land League, all seeking a new home, a new country in which they could live free of the many horrors and oppression of British rule.

My family did succeed, beyond the wildest dreams of our immigrant ancestors, going from barely-literate tenant farmers to policemen and teachers, to highly educated and powerful academics, business owners, politicians, proud and useful Americans in three generations.

To those who dream of going to Ireland, stop dreaming and start planning, don’t deny yourself the pleasure. For those of us who love the music, you’ll find that every ten miles of road brings you to another place you first heard of in a song. Ennis in Co Clare is one of the best places to hear much good Celtic music any day of the year. The Dingle goes mad in the high summer, busloads of tourists from Germany, France and the US invade the Dingle. My ancestors are mostly from Kerry, near the Paps, and I’ve seen the ‘cottage’, from which he immigrated as a young teen, following two older brothers to America. (A 12×16 room with a loft and turf hearth, my great grandfather was one of nine surviving children. It’s now used as a gardening shed).

I’d like add to the music mix, the remarkable Christy Moore, a man with a great heart and very leftist sensibilites. He did a song about the Saint Patirck Brigade, but I can’t find a link to the song on Amazon.

and the heart-breaking “Killkelly”, recorded by Mick Moloney among others. I once took several writer frineds to a bar to hear Robbie O’Connell perform. O’Connell is a nephew of the Clancy Brothers, and often performs with them. That night he sang “Kilkelly” and as I looked around at my friends, people well able to use words to evoke a host of emotions, I saw them sniffling discreetly with a few tears in their eyes.

I admit a fondness for not only the traditional ‘rebel songs’, but for the Irish American songs of the early 20th Century, like “I’ll take You Home Again Kathleen” (if my mother and grandmother were with us today, I’d be giving them all the Irish Tenors cds as gifts), and my personal playlists have Chieftains, Van the Man, Altan, the Pogues among the multitudes of fine Celtic musicans that will fill up my iPod today.

So joy to us all this day, and thanks to our Irish ancestors, who had so little and gave the world so much.

Erin go Brede!

An Irish prayer:

May you always have good vittles,
a soft pillow for your head,
and spend 40 years in Heaven,
ere the devil knows you’re dead.

Happy St. Patty’s Day to all!

sofistic @ 228

Adie at 226.
I was joking. Really, I can imagine Bela Fleck with an oboe quite easily.

ohhhh yeahhhh. There are more music jokes out there than there are musicians, heh. We’re neither shy nor stuffy about it.
Check out this link. Some hilarious stuff, & yes, that address is at M.I.T. that lil country-day-school in MA… ;->

http://www.mit.edu/~jcb/jokes/

Fresh thread, up and running for everyone.

those pipes are the uilleann pipes - aka elbow pipes.

There are many types of bag pipes. The Asturians of Spain have their own type, made from goat skin mostly, and of course, there’s the old family joke that we liked our Scots cousins well enough, but we only gave them the secret of the war pipes, and no others.

Thanks to marjo@118, I can second Maura O’Connell & Connie Dover, and all the others she mentions. Has nobody mentioned Karan Casey? A couple of lesser known but excellent (Scottish) gaelic singers are Patricia Murray and Eilidh MacKenzie. And if I don’t mention Mary Jane Lamond and Natalie MacMaster, I’ll be exiled from my home province. And the Rankins, the Cottars, Rawlins Cross, … Is Phil Cunningham Scottish or Irish? I know his music through his work with Aly Bain.

Millineryman @
38

Being Italian and all, we celebrated St.Joseph’s Day, which is March 19, 2007. Before we moved out of south Philly, which used to be a strong Italian neighborhood, it was much more pronounced. All the bakeries would make St. Joseph’s cakes, (think big cream puffs) which was a nice treat.

Here’s a link in case anyone is interested in the tradition.

http://www.chiff.com/a/st-josephs-day.htm

And I love Loreena McKennitt. What an amazing voice, it reachs down deep into my soul.

Ah, la Festa di San Guiseppe was such a big deal in my old home town (St. Joseph Tables everywhere) that the kiddies, who had St. Paddy’s day off in honor of the Redemptorist Fathers and Benedictine Nuns, went truant on the 19th. Amazing tradition which still exists at the local St. Joseph Club.

But we Italians do not have anything to match a spot of Jameson’s or a cup of Guiness (or both. Why not?) on a cold winter day, save for a few thousand gallons of home-made concord grape wine (a la NW PA).

Morning (afternoon to you), Christy. I have A bit of the Irish in me (freckles, reddhedd) along with the Italian (buffalo butt and thunder thighs). I’m a long-time bluegrass fan, used to go to as many festivals in the hills and hollers as I could (Blackwater Falls was my fave) in my wild yout’, and John Hartford was my top favorite, hands down. When not on stage, he could be found among the tents and cars, picking all night long with whoever could keep up.

What’s up with my family, you ask? We just moved into a new home, about 10 miles down the road from the last one. We have real neighbors now, not just bears and birds and the occasional mountain lion (the week we moved one killed my neighbor’s baby goat - I can’t say kid, people freaque - and was seen on our driveway the next day) - yet we still have a 360 mountain view, crows, hawks and coyotes. The Sprout has made 3 friends on his first day in the ‘hood, and mama is pleased.

I love my new home. It’s spacious and gracious, about 3 times bigger than we left. Christy, the former owners left a big screen TV for us and I was mesmerized last night by a full-sized Olbermann and his glasses. Curious George trumped all other fare before that, and I conked out in the middle of Countdown, so I’m looking forward to watching some of the suggestions from last Sats. Pull Up a Chair.

PS. Love the addition of Phoenix Woman and CHiDy to the lineup!!

congrats, Mommybrain - sounds lovely!

I can’t remember, are you in CA?

Hiya, ‘Coastie. Thanks, it is lovely! Yes, we are in SoCal, in Azusa now. Are you up north? Santa Monica? OC? Man I can’t remember anything these days. Menopause has thrown down on my memory, upon which I used to pride myself, before…

OC

haven’t we had the nicest weather this week?

Glorious weather. Are you near either of the fires of last week, anaheim hills or corona? Gack, this is going to be one hell of a fire season this year. We are at about 10% of normal rainfall and I’ve heard predictions this will be the hottest summer on record.

In a couple of months, once I’m settled and back from China, we should convene a meeting of the SoCal FDL contingent. You up for that? ARe you going to YK2? I’m going to go if it doesn’t conflict with a river trip.

Just a question Christie

What is with all this “Celtic” pride? The Viking bloodlines are VERY evident in Irish history. In fact, the easiest way to spot it is to look for the redheads. The truth is, you are almost as Viking as a Norwegian. I mean, just look at you!

I am going to put in a Shameless Plug for my good friends, Gin Lane. Best Joan’s Placket evah!

Mommybrain @ 238

Hiya, ‘Coastie. Thanks, it is lovely! Yes, we are in SoCal, in Azusa now. Are you up north? Santa Monica? OC? Man I can’t remember anything these days. Menopause has thrown down on my memory, upon which I used to pride myself, before…

Mommybrain, consider this. When in our twenties, we had mere 1,000’s of things to remember. That has now increased by an oder of magnitude or two, what with reading this blog alone. Percentage-wise, we are still doing just fine. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Mommybrain @ 241

Glorious weather. Are you near either of the fires of last week, anaheim hills or corona? Gack, this is going to be one hell of a fire season this year. We are at about 10% of normal rainfall and I’ve heard predictions this will be the hottest summer on record.

In a couple of months, once I’m settled and back from China, we should convene a meeting of the SoCal FDL contingent. You up for that? ARe you going to YK2? I’m going to go if it doesn’t conflict with a river trip.

yup, a little bit close to the Anaheim Hills fire (just the other side of the mountain)

no to YK2, but yes to SoCal FDL contingent…

were you up towards Mt. Baldy before? I have a feeling we are going to see our share of big cats this year with it so dry and all… I bet they are in the restrooms again this year at O’Neill and Caspers parks…

I always feel a bit better hiking with BOTH giant dogs…

last summer I escaped as high as I could go to the Eastern Sierra - only place I could find that wasn’t so damn hot…

I don’t think anyone has mentioned Thin Lizzy’s version of Whisky in the Jar

Irish Rock in Roll before U-2

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
52

Christy -

How many other West Virginia musicians with Celtic roots come to mind after I start by mentioning Tim and Mollie O’Brien?

And we here in Denver love the fact that she lives right around here and sings regularly nearby..

‘Coastie, that’s mighty close. We could see the towering smoke plume from Monrovia (not Baldy).

Monrovia’s claims to fame are a) 5 degrees hotter than anywhere else in the San Gabriel Valley and b) more bears than you can shake a stick at. Sprout came face to face with one, unexpectedly, in front of the house last year. We had regular visits, almost to the minute, from a mom and two cubs last year. We would see bears at least weekly. Whenever you heard/saw news choppers in the sky, you knew it was about bears.
Giant dogs are a big help. Brownie is really good at barking bears away. Don’t know about big cats, though.

Drive by …

Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!!! (Happy St. Patrick’s day!!!)

Hey Christy, (raising hand) Irish over here too. Loreena McKennitt rawks.

One more thing … SAVE TARA!!!

[…]

What is happening?

A major motorway, the M3 is following the route of the old N3 through the Tara/ Skyrne Valley. An interchange within viewing distance of Tara will destroy the intergity of the Valley. A perfectly acceptable alternative route has been proposed but declined by the politicans for reasons only they know! If we find out, we’ll let you know.

Tara has been threatened before and survived because of the out cry by the people of Ireland and their friends abroad. While much corruption by developers and government has been accepted by the Irish people as inevitable. The truth is that with Tara - we need to draw a line in the sand.

This is our heritage. Tara has had the protection of the Irish people for 5000 years and our generation should not be one to break that bond.

The diversity of the people and the groups trying to Save Tara is obvious from the number of groups and the differences of the opinion between them.

What is Tara?

The Hill of Tara, known as Temair in gaeilge, was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland – 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In ancient Irish religion and mythology Temair was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site.

One interpretation of the name Tara says that it means a “place of great prospect” and indeed on a clear day it is claimed that features in half the counties of Ireland can be seen from atop Tara. In the distance to the northwest can be seen the brilliant white quartz front of Newgrange and further north lies the Hill of Slane, where according to legend St. Patrick lit his Pascal fire prior to his visit to Tara in 433 AD. …

Slainte! (Cheers)

techno @
242

Just a question Christie

What is with all this “Celtic” pride? The Viking bloodlines are VERY evident in Irish history. In fact, the easiest way to spot it is to look for the redheads. The truth is, you are almost as Viking as a Norwegian. I mean, just look at you!

If I remember Nova correctly, when genetic tests of Icelandic natives were done, they were found to have more in common with the Irish than with the Norse. Seems many Irish slaves were brought back to Iceland, and have come to dominate the gene pool.

Well, this thread is dead but I couldn’t resist looking through it anyway, to see the musicians people were talking about.

I’m a big Irish music fan, but only since I discovered the newer, more eclectic trad stuff that’s been coming out of Ireland in the last 15 years or so. I saw only a couple of mentions of the bands I love best, so I’ll list them together here. Mike McGunnigle (I think) mentioned “pushing the envelope,” which is exactly the quality I look for… especially bands that put a more interesting bottom end on the music. For an experience you’ll never forget, go see either of these bands, which usually tour the US at least once a year:

LNASA

DERVISH

Dervish is currently touring the east coast and the midwest till the end of March; and Lnasa is in Alaska, working their way to the east coast till early April—google them and check out their tour schedules.

Added bonus for seeing these bands live: when you’re not being thrilled by the music, you’ll be laughing your ass off. Kevin Crawford (Lnasa) and Cathy Jordan (Dervish) are both hilarious.

De-lurking to wish all a happy St. Patrick’s Day, or in the vernacular, Beannachtai na Feile Padraig.

This post warmed the very cockles of my heart, as yours truly is an Irish trad musician (fiddle, tenor banjo, and mandolin). The Chieftains were the lads who interested me in the music, some 25 years back. About three years ago, I had the chance to play onstage with them (or most of them–Derek Bell had passed away, poor man).

They do that, wherever they go–invite the local trad musicians onstage for a set of reels, for the encore of the show. It was one of the grandest experiences of my life, with Paddy Moloney looking back over his shoulder at me to signal the change of tunes, and Sean Keane giving the nod of approval as things progressed. (”Ah, that was good shtuff” he said to me afterwards backstage–I nearly melted down with pleasure)

It was like a garage-band rocker being invited onstage to play with the Stones. Never forget that evening, no I will not.

So–to your topic: Give a listen sometime to Altan, if you can. Mairead ni Mhaonaigh is one of the greatest fiddlers of all, and they will lift the floor for you. And seek out a virtually unknown band called Chulrua: Paddy O’Brien on box, Tim Britten on Uillean pipes, Pat Egan on guitar, and the sound they produce will make your hair stand on end.

Back to lurking now. Daily reader, thankful for all the work you all do, and for the fine level of commenting …

Well, as where4art said, this thread is probably dead, but just in case anyone’s looking for some Irish music from the U.S. west, I recommend Colcannon, based in Denver. Oh all right, my husband was the original guitarist in the group, but still, they are great! Their newest CD is “The Pooka and the Fiddler and Happy as Larry” which has recently received a Parents Choice Recommended award. However, their other albums are not so PG-13. You can find them on Itunes and Amazon.

Mike McGunnigle @
182

Silly Wizard… Christy Moore… Bothy Band, Tannahill Weavers, Boys of the Lough There was an energy in their music that you didn’t get from the Chieftains. (These days, the Chieftains do have that kind of groove, but mostly because of Matt Molloy, who started with the Bothys, and Kevin Cunniff on bodhran & vocals.)….

I’m stunned at the Celtic music knowledge of FDLers, esp this comment.

Also must reiterate Mary Black, Clannad, Pogues, and Moving Hearts.

But has no one heard of Capercaillie (Scottish)? They have a wide range of sounds and rhythms (band includes Manus Lunny).

Also excellent: The Old Blind Dogs (Scottish).

And, as several others have mentioned, there’s great Celtic music in Bretagne. Those seafaring Celts made music from the costs of Spain (Portugal = “Port of the Gauls”) up to the Shetlands. There’s some splendidly good Celtic music in the Bretagne region of France.

So many reasons to love iTunes and YouTube…

Thanks for the recipe. I am wondering if you meant the baking powder to be “fresh,” not the baking soda. I hope you feel 100% soon. And full recovery for Jane, too. -Jill-

Here’s a couple of my favs:

Natalie MacMaster

and

The Tannahill Weavers

o’barbara @
45

Searched all yesterday for world’s best corned beef and cabbage recipe (may or may not have found it), only to discover this is a semi-bogus dish in the way of pizza and chow mein, i.e., to please the tourists. (sigh) Undaunted, I move forward.

I have no documentation for this, but I thought corned beef was more of a North American thing. The Irish immigrant families in some cases ate corned beef and cabbage because it was affordable. Of course, the same folks in the British Isles who rang on Yanks for our “Irish” corned beef and cabbage fail to notice that that salt beef I’ve seen for sale over there bears more than a passing resemblance to corned beef.

Hie thee to Milwaukee’s Irish Fest, Thursday night through Sunday night, third weekend in August annually for,what, 30 years or so. Largest Irish music festival in the world–greatest number of musical acts, theater, cultural lectures and exhibits, set dancing, caelis, exhibition style dancing.

There’s also an Irish Fest Summer School, which has classes in a wide variety of insturments, traditional singing, dance, crafts, calligraphy, etc. That begins the Sunday evening of the week of the festival. It’s at UW-Milwaukee’s campus, and very reasonable accommodations are available in the student dorms. Don’t know if roooms can be used for the actual Irish Fest days.

Google for Irish Fest Milwaukee.

So wonderful! And, iirc, about $12 or so a day (may have gone up slightly). 5 or 6 large stages, many, many smaller stages. All on Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shore.

Christy:

I have Clannad beguiling me right now. I lack the skill to translate “Seachran Charn Tsiail” but love it anyway. And I have some Chieftains racked up for the bedtime listen - in this case with cameos by Sting, Sinead, Knopfler, Cooder, er al.

Alas I realize now I never had any green on today - that was much more of a focus back when I was a lad and pinching at least would have followed. The spaniels have been wearing their green Mardi Gras beads.

My ancestry is 50% Swede and 50% the rest of Europe - i.e. I’m a mutt, and count on it including some Irish! At the very least it does in spirit.

Dinner tonight was corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Don’t spare the horseradish!

Thanks so much for the Soda Bread recipe.

pj