slainte

San Diego Reader

Thursday | 23

TOWER AFTER HOURS: IRELAND!

Sláinte! enjoy traditional Irish music, dance, and stories performed by “our city’s top talent.” Also, regional food and drink provided by local Irish pubs and restaurants.

WHERE: San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619-239-2001; museumofman.org

Friday | 24

As part of their “Without Walls” series, the La Jolla Playhouse presents this series of five ten-minute plays, each taking place in a car, where audiences of two move from vehicle to vehicle to experience works by different playwrights. As the car door closes, you watch the drama or comedy unfold from inches away.

WHEN: 7 and 8:30 p.m. (Thursday through Sunday until March 4)

WHERE: La Jolla Playhouse,

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. 858-550-1010; lajollaplayhouse.org

Saturday | 25

OLD-FASHIONED BBQ BASH

The National Barbecue Association hosts this day “focused on the art and enjoyment of barbecue.” Vote in the People’s choice awards, shop the barbecue marketplace, check out cookbook signings and “How to Q” presentations from famed pit legends, and sample barbecue and sauces from experts.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2270 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley. 888-909-2121; nbbqa.org

Sunday | 26

a RAISIN IN THE SUN

Our critic’s pick, this 1959 drama by Lorraine Hansberry is given a “first rate” for ensemble and design work by Moxie Theatre. The Youngers have lived in their cramped, South Side Chicago apartment for decades. a 10K life-insurance check inspires competing dreams…but first the family must climb out of personal valleys.

WHEN: 2 p.m. (also Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 p.m., through March 4)

WHERE: Moxie at Rolando Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Boulevard, College Area. 858-598-7620; moxietheatre.com

Monday | 27

The ArtPower series continues with “Songs, Music, and Poetry of the American West.” enjoy cowboy songs and poetry, Western-swing fiddle, vocal harmonies, Tex-Mex polkas, and rancheras performed by “working cowboys and other authentic representatives of today’s Western culture.”

WHERE: Mandeville Auditorium at UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. 858-534-8407; artpwr.com

Tuesday | 28

A “gap year” is that time between high school graduation and the first day of college. Representatives will share ideas for gap-year activities such as travel, nonprofit work, language immersion, internship, and volunteer service. The fair opens with a presentation from two speakers who will share their gap-year experiences.

WHERE: Francis Parker School, 6501 Linda Vista Road, Linda Vista. 619- 298-9110; usagapyearfairs.org

Wednesday | 29

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CONFERENCE

The 27th annual conference provides an “inclusive setting” for experts and participants to share their knowledge of assistive technology. Hundreds of expert-led sessions will focus on “promoting accessibility through technology innovation and policy change.” Actor, comedienne, and advocate Geri Jewell is the keynote speaker.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (also Thursday and Friday).

WHERE: Manchester Grand Hyatt, one Market Place, Downtown. 818-677-2578; csun.edu/cod

Sláinte! St. Patrick's Day drink recipes: Irish Coffee and Go Erin cocktails

Ice with cream cheese icing if you so desire. really, this cake can be served without icing; it is JUST that good. Pro-tip: Last but not least, cut yourself a slice and serve with a pint of cold Guinness. Sláinte! Guinness Chocolate Cake.

Here's to you, and here's to me and here's to ever after… yes! yes yes yes! It's almost St. Patrick's Day, with God smiling down on the Irish (and those who plan to get a little or lot Irish tomorrow) through a 75º sun. On every Friday from here to

BY MARGARET MORGAN NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM. COM St. Patrick's Day is only two days away and has already been celebrated on the Jersey Shore by a huge Irish population (the state's biggest St. Patrick'

Before you down that mug of green beer in honor of St. Patrick's Day this weekend, consider these figures pulled from PIERS data sources on the world's.

Before you down that mug of green beer in honor of St. Patrick's Day this weekend, consider these figures pulled from PIERS data sources on the world's.

Everyone is a wee bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

Special to the Daily News Published March 14, 2012

On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone finds a reason to be at least a wee bit Irish.here on Galveston Island stands Saint Patrick’s Church, which was built by and served Irish-Americans to the present day.Downtown, you will find several Irish-themed establishments, and there will be plenty of green on display for the festivities.“Erin go Braugh” (May I go back to Ireland forever) will be heard as well as the toast “Slainte” (health).for a little while, you would think the whole world was Irish. but this was not always so. the Irish were not treated well as immigrants to this country before the Civil War.many came as indentured servants, and others did jobs so dangerous that no one else would do them. they were often considered less than people — by everyone else.Next weekend I will travel to New York City and march with my Civil War re-enactment group the 69th New York State Volunteers Historical Society as a part of the famous Irish Brigade from the Civil War. this unit traditionally leads the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York and this year will be in two of the parades — one for the old Cathedral and the other, larger parade in the afternoon.the men of the Irish Brigade and their chaplain, Father Corby, helped change the perception of Americans about the Irish.during the Civil War, many Irish immigrants and Irish Americans enlisted and served with distinction on both sides. there were more Irish serving in Union blue, but there were significant numbers with the harp of Erin under the gray.many had joined as members of the Fenian Society. they were determined to gain experience in modern warfare so they could return to Ireland and free it from the yoke of England.Their fathers and grandfathers had served in the last Irish rebellion and many had fallen on Vinegar Hill.In the end, the fact that England tacitly supported the South by continuing to buy cotton and sell supplies fueled the fervor of the Irish love for the Union and the freedom it represented for Ireland.It was how well the Irish performed their duties as soldiers that got the attention of the (non-Irish) American officers.the Irish as a unit were fearless in battle. they did what they were told even in the face of insurmountable odds, such as at Fredericksburg.the soldiers closest to the Confederate lines at the end of that dreadful battle wore the green sprig of boxwood in their kepis — reminders of the green of Ireland that Gen. Meagher had asked them to wear as they marched off to the strains of the Garryowen.At Gettysburg, Father Corby, later president of the University of Notre Dame, climbed on a rock and asked the unit to kneel to receive general absolution before the battle.the men dropped to their knees, their hats off in prayer. he exhorted them to do their duty and to make a full confession later if they were able and then pronounced the Latin words absolving them of their sins.the non-Catholic officers nearby were impressed. certainly this was not the first time general absolution had been given on an American battlefield, but something about the men of the Irish Brigade, en masse, going to their knees in prayer affected the Union officers greatly.It began a notice that these Irish Catholics were somehow more human, more God-fearing, more American and more like themselves than they had been told all their lives.Though there were terrible losses, the unit continued through the entire war.After the Civil War, many of the young soldiers followed Father Corby back to Notre Dame where they became students and loaned their moniker “the Fighting Irish” to that French-founded University de Notre Dame du Lac (founded by the Holy Cross Fathers from France).To this day, Notre Dame is a symbol of Ireland and Catholicism here in the United States — more than a great football team, more than a fantastic school — a place where the Irish in America found their home.I think it is a good thing indeed that on every St. Patrick’s Day everyone is at least a wee bit Irish. Erin Go Braugh.the very Rev. Dr. Stephen Duncan studied for a time at Notre Dame as a Holy Cross candidate for the Roman Catholic priesthood. he has a soft spot in his heart for the Holy Cross fathers, Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish of the 69th for whom he serves as chaplain today — even though he is an Orthodox priest. Father Stephen’s mother’s grandfather Cornelius Deasy from County Cork is buried in the Catholic Cemetery on Galveston Island along with his wife and many relatives. the Irish branch of the Deasy family still owns and administers the family castle in County Cork.

Copyright 2011 the Galveston County Daily News. All rights reserved. this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ten Fun Things To Do In Amsterdam

One of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, particularly among couples of all ages, is to take a long canal cruise. Open-top canal boats as well as canal bikes, which you pedal yourself, are available for this purpose. Guided canal boats can be rented for private trips. Sunset and night-time cruises come highly recommended.

Visiting one or more of Amsterdam’s varied museums is also a popular activity. Museum lovers usually purchase a museum card for free and quick entry to a large number of museums. As a city steeped in European history, Amsterdam is home to art, history, and science museums alike. be sure to stop in at Anne Frank’s House to catch a glimpse of the life of the girl made famous by her wartime diary.

With all of the beautiful sights to take in, such as the range of medieval and modern architecture and gorgeous canals, a walking tour or cycling tour should find a place on your Amsterdam itinerary.

Amsterdam is also famous for its coffee shops. the prevailing atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Despite the name coffee shop, beer and even marijuana and other types of hallucinogens can be legally purchased at these establishments. the coffee shops are viewed as places to relax and socialize.

Don’t forget to visit the flower market and take home some of Amsterdam’s signature tulip bulbs or flowering cacti. In the summertime, visitors can purchase a large variety of flowers.

The Jordaan is one of the quieter parts of Amsterdam. It is filled with restored old houses and small canals. Small shops offer art, antiques, and pottery to visitors. there are also many cosy restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area.

Clubgoers will not be left out due to the widespread availability of hot and happening nightclubs. for a live band, check out the Waterhole near Leidseplein. the area has a busy city feel to it with its flashy neon lights and takeaway restaurants. for an energy-filled night of good times and good beer, visit the Irish Pub Slainte. There’s no hip hop or techno music and no marijuana, but the spirits are high and the flamboyant bartenders keep the crowd going.

A visit to any new city wouldn’t be complete without shopping. Tourists can shop till they drop at the numerous souvenir shops, street markets, and plazas. everything from mini souvenirs to antiques is available at a range of prices.

Visit the windmills of Amsterdam for a terrific photo opportunity. While most of them are closed to the public, Sloten Windmill allows visitors to enter and is set up for easy accessibility for those in a wheelchair. Volunteers are on hand to explain how the windmill works and on occasion a miller is available to demonstrate. Sloten Windmill is also a popular site for nuptial celebrations.

Last on the list of things to do is a trip to the Heineken brewery. When the brewery was still active, visitors were given a guided tour of the brewing process that culminated in free beer and cheese. Today, for a few Euro, visitors have their pick of two top-notch bars and receive three large beers and a gift. the renovated old brewery still has many things to see, including a glass staircase, copper vats, theater, and a music video studio.

5 Things To Do This Weekend, March 9-11: Can we call it Spring already?

1. Boom goes the dynamite! Bangor is a very happening place to be this weekend. for your downtown shenanigoats, may I suggest something in a Friday? You can start with the 6:30 p.m. Pecha Kucha presentation at the Bangor Opera House. then you can move directly onto either the 8:30 p.m. River City Cinema showing of “Albatross” (starring Jessica Brown Findlay, a.k.a Lady Sibyl from “Downton Abbey”) also at the Opera House, or you can attend the grand opening of KahBang Arts’ Spring Gallery at Mezzenine, the upstairs area of Zen Asian Bistro on Main Street. Art from five Maine women and music from the 220s is set for the night, which runs from 7 p.m. until midnight. Down the street, enjoy Portland indie trio the Milkman’s Union (pictured above) at Paddy Murphy’s, starting around 9:30 p.m., the acoustic duo Pitch Black Ribbons at Nocturnem Drafthaus, at 8 p.m., Sam Shain and the Seasick Crocodiles at Ipanema, starting at 9:30 p.m., and Magnetic North at the Sea Dog, starting at 9 p.m. And that’s just Friday! On Saturday, there’s plenty more, including a double bill of rock with Lit on the Flash and the Tree Streets at Paddy Murphy’s, the melodic indie pop of the Rotating Taps at Ipanema, the sweet bluegrass sounds of the Main Street 2 at Nocturnem Drafthaus, and the disco-country-punk sounds of the Larks at Hollywood Slots. It’s a good time to be a Bangorian!

2. Is it fair to call it Spring already? Judging from Thursday’s weather, perhaps so. Even if the temps drop down a bit, it’s still farther from winter than it is closer. Regardless, it will be a wonderful weekend to walk around in Portland, and to start, let’s take a look at Friday. the Space Gallery hosts a pretty incredible night of metal, featuring Waranimal, Barnburner, Sylvia, Phantom Glue and Death Cloud, starting at 8:30 p.m.; admission is $8. at the Empire on Congress Street, the Fogcutters big Band (pictured above), a local group, will swing with you starting at 8 p.m. Port City Music Hall hosts Canadian Irish rockers Enter the Haggis, starting at 8 p.m., and at Geno’s Rock Club, a Robot presents a night of experimental rock with 13CrystalSkullz, Cuss and Holland Holland. On both Friday and Saturday, the big Easy hosts local heroes Paranoid Social Club, with opener Cam Groves, and on Saturday at Slainte check out Volcano Rabbit, Gin Lab and De Repente.

3. Welcome spring a little early with some unique, hilarious events statewide, starting with the second annual WERU Comedy Showcase, set fot 7 p.m. Friday at the next Generation Theatre on Center Street in Brewer. Meanwhile, the last weekend of the wickedly funny musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” based on the movie of the same name, is set for Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Lyric Music Theatre on Sawyer Street in Portland. And on Saturday at Spectacular Events Center in Bangor, three standup comedians bring a little estrogen to the field, when Karen Morgan, Amy Tee and Jodie Sloane perform starting at 7:30 p.m.

4. This weekend marks the regional level of the annual Maine Drama Festival, in which 2,000 high school students from 70 schools statewide compete to bring the best, most efficient and artistic production of a one-act play to a panel of judges. There are performances set for Friday and Saturday at MDI High School, Camden Hills High School, Stearns High School, Freeport High School, Leavitt High School, Windham High School, Skowhegan High School and Marshwood High School. It’s $10 for a whole day of theater. Is there a better deal than that? Visit mainedramacouncil.com for a full schedule and listing of plays.

5. Movies opening this weekend! well, the hotly anticipated adaptation of the popular young adult novel “the Hunger Games” hits theaters on Friday, and frankly, I’m actually excited to see this one – even though I’m the last person on the planet that has not read the book. There’s also Pixar’s first foray into live-action, with “John Carter of Mars,” which looks suspiciously like a cross between “Total Recall” and “Starship Troopers.” but what do I know? I’ll see it on dollar night! Also opening this weekend in eastern Maine is “Shame” at Railroad Square Cinema and “Pariah” at the Nickelodeon in Portland.

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Irish Bars and Pubs

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Sláinte! Find some great pubs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this list of watering holes.

Many of the included bars, pubs, and restaurants are holding specials for the Irish holiday. Click on the name of each location to head to their website for more details.

Click on the county name below to head to spots in that area.

Dallas County | Tarrant County | Collin County | Denton County

Dallas CountyThe Black Friar Pub2621 McKinney AveDallas, TX 75204

The Dubliner2818 Greenville AveDallas, TX 75206

The Idle Rich Pub2614 McKinney Ave.Dallas, TX 75204

Knox Street Pub4447 McKinney Ave.Dallas, TX 75205

The Old Monk2847 N. Henderson AveDallas, TX

Tarrant CountyBaker St. Pub6333 Camp Bowie Blvd.Fort Worth, TX 76116

Finn MacCool’s Pub1700 Eigth Ave.Fort Worth, TX 76110

Paddy Reds903 Throckmorton St.Fort Worth, TX 76102

Poag Mahone’s Irish Pub700 Carroll StreetFort Worth, TX 76107

Sherlock’s Pub254 Lincoln Square CenterArlington, TX 76011

Collin CountyDelaney’s Irish Pub & Grill6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 120McKinney, TX 75070

The Fillmore Pub1004 E. 15th St.Plano, TX 75074

Irish Rover Pub8250 Gaylord ParkwayFrisco, TX 75034

Denton CountyThe Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub101 W Hickory St.Denton, TX 76201

McSwiggan’s Irish Pub6910 Windhaven Parkway, Suite 105The Colony, TX 75056

Pat’s Pub5204 S Colony Blvd #400The Colony, TX 75056

Know of another Irish-inspired location to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Send us an e-mail by clicking here.