A day for the Irish and even those that aren't

The 17th of March is always a rather happy affair. Strangers take to wearing the greenest of green outfits, talking with horrid Irish accents and inexplicably insisting on putting green dye into a perfectly good beer. The day has come a long way from it's humble beginnings honouring an apostle for Ireland.

It's a day when everyone wants to be Irish, and here it has arrived once again.

And while it's a great day for parties and has apparently turned into a bit of a cash cow for the service industry it also is kind of a neat example of how people can for one day seemingly get along.

You can hear Irish music in all its forms from the traditional tones of The Chieftains, to the melodic stylings of Van Morrison. The edgy Pogues traded licks with supergroup U2, who have probably propelled Ireland to the worlds stage all by themselves. All linked by blood to a small little island in the North Atlantic, that has had more than its fair share of influence on the new world.

Pick up a book at the library there's been an entire industry built on Irish literature or history. Head for Amazon and do a search for Irish History and you'll be searching for books right up until next years celebration. And of course the Irish are famous for the turn of a phrase, amaze your friends with your own little cache or Irish sayings by doing your homework here.

Recently the blogsphere has brought the land of Patrick to our computers check out a few of these blogs ( Slugger O'Toole, United Irelander , It comes in Pints , 1169 and Counting , Irish Tribesman, Balrog) and then go further and check out their recommended links it opens up a fascinating and wide cross section of life in Ireland today.

If you're Irish enjoy the Day, the Irish love a good party especially when they're hosting one. If you're not Irish, throw on something green and join on in. All are welcome (especially if you're doing the buying).

But rather than that stereotypical jug of green beer maybe go the distance, ask for a glass of the dark stuff. It's not St. Patrick's day until you've downed a Guiness, dark, stout and foamy!!

May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven
half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.

To all of ye near and far, A Happy St. Patrick's Day!!