Airstrike Remix

Check out this fantastic video


And more from the Mil Bloggers
Blackfive - the Paratrooper of Love

Here is One Marines View

In the post just before this one I talked about “Supporting the Troops”. If you don’t have the time to go to Anysoldier.com but want to still show your support for the troops, you can look on the far right Colum and donate quickly by clicking on “Donate Cigars”. Once we have a respectable amount we will purchase stoags for service members in Iraq and the ship them over to them. We will then put their pictures of them smoking your cigars here! Wet wipes are great, Gatorade is better but stoags are the heat!!!


Click on the donate button, then send us your alimony you were going to pay to your “other”, then stand by!!! Nothing beats shooting at bad guys while enjoying a cigar!!!


I challenge any cigar store out there to match what we buy!!! C’mon fellas, they are Marines!!!


Semper Fi……….


Time for a C-Gar!

Posted by Capt B at 05:35 PM | June 7, 2006

U.S. strike kills Iraq terror chief al-Zarqawi

From staff and wire reports

BAGHDAD — Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the terrorist leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq and the top target of the military coalition supporting the country's nascent democracy, was killed Wednesday in an airstrike, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.
Jubilant officials from several countries described al-Zarqawi's death as a major victory in the war on terror. He was linked to a series of terrorist bombings and executions not only in Iraq, but also in his native Jordan.

The leader and seven aides, including spiritual adviser Sheik Abdul Rahman, were killed Wednesday evening in a remote area 30 miles northeast of Baghdad in the volatile province of Diyala, just east of the provincial capital of Baqouba, officials said.

"Zarqawi has met his end and this violent man will never murder again," President Bush said Thursday morning at the White House. He called al-Zarqawi's death "a severe blow to al-Qaeda and a victory in the global war on terror."

More Info from the Mil Bloggers & their friends
Captain's Quarters
Mark in Mexico
Greyhawk
Baldilocks
Citizen Smash




Smash posts:

Ding-Dong, Zarqawi's Dead

[SMASH]
Had a minor case of food-induced insomnia early this morning, so I decided to check the headlines on my mobile phone...

Boy, am I ever glad I chose the rich chicken mole at that mexican restaurant last night for dinner!

ZARQAWI IS DEAD!

GOOD RIDDANCE M---ER F----ER!

WOOHOO!

Sorry, just had to get that out of my system.

Powerline posts:

The meeting ended early

Here is the Centcom press release announcing the successful strike that killed Zarqawi and his colleagues in Iraq yesterday:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Multi-National Force-Iraq Commanding General, announced the death of al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi in the following statement during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad June 8:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Coalition Forces killed al-Qaida terrorist leader Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi and one of his key lieutenants, spiritual advisor Sheik Abd-Al-Rahman, yesterday, June 7, at 6:15 p.m. in an air strike against an identified, isolated safe house.

“Tips and intelligence from Iraqi senior leaders from his network led forces to al-Zarqawi and some of his associates who were conducting a meeting approximately eight kilometers north of Baqubah when the air strike was launched.

“Iraqi police were first on the scene after the air strike, and elements of Multi-National Division North, arrived shortly thereafter. Coalition Forces were able to identify al-Zarqawi by fingerprint verification, facial recognition and known scars.

Al-Zarqawi and al-Qaida in Iraq have conducted terrorist activities against the Iraqi people for years in attempts to undermine the Iraqi national government and Coalition efforts to rebuild and stabilize Iraq. He is known to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of Iraqis. Al-Zarqawi’s death is a significant blow to al-Qaida and another step toward defeating terrorism in Iraq.

“Although the designated leader of al-Qaida in Iraq is now dead, the terrorist organization still poses a threat as its members will continue to try to terrorize the Iraqi people and destabilize their government as it moves toward stability and prosperity. Iraqi forces, supported by the Coalition, will continue to hunt terrorists that threaten the Iraqi people until terrorism is eradicated in Iraq.”

Congratulations to all those serving in Iraq and elsewhere who enabled our forces to administer justice to Zarqawi with skill and precision.

Greyhawk Posts:

After the air strikes, CoalitionForces launched 17 raids against terrorist targets in Baghdad "within hours" of identifying Zarqawi, uncovering a "treasure trove" of intelligence information. The targets were previously being exploited to track Zarqawi's movements. Now the Coalition is pushing rapidly to roll-up the al Qaeda network in Iraq.

And the press is so busy trying to get stories about coalition deaths in Iraq to "balance" the Zarqawi story that they've missed it. The announcement of the Ministers of Defense and Interior is being ignored too, or mentioned briefly and "balanced" with references to how long it took. Arguably that's information significant only to the handful of people outside of Iraq who know what's going on in Iraq - but it's huge news.

But back to the 17 (so far) raids. Imagine how many known operators and locations have been watched - even at some cost - in order to make this day happen. Now it's go time on them, and with intel gained there other dominoes are likely to fall.

Mark in Mexico posts:

ADDENDUM: Youssef M. Ibrahim, Jul. 25, 2005:
The world of Islam is on fire. Indeed the Muslim mind is on fire. Above all the West is now ready to take both of them on.

The latest reliable report confirm that on average 33 Iraqis die every day, executed by Iraqis and foreign jihadis and suicide bombers, not by U.S. or British soldiers. In fact, fewer than ever U.S. or British soldiers are dying since the invasion more than two years ago. Instead we now watch on television hundreds of innocent Iraqis lying without limbs, bleeding in the streets dead or wounded for life. If this is jihad, someone got his religious education completely upside down.

Do the cowardly jihadis who recruit suicide bombers really think they will force the U.S. Army and British troops out of Iraq by killing hundreds of innocent Iraqis? U.S. troops now have bases and operate in Iraq but also from Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman?

The only accomplishment of jihadis is that now they have aroused the great "Western Tiger." There was a time when the United States and Europe welcomed Arab and Muslim immigrants, visitors and students, with open arms. London even allowed all dissidents escaping their countries to preach against those countries under the guise of political refugees.

Well, that is all over now. Time has become for the big Western vengeance.

What is more important to remember is this: When the West did unite after World War II to beat communism, the long Cold War began without pity. They took no prisoners. They all stood together, from the United States to Norway, from Britain to Spain, from Belgium to Switzerland. And they did bring down the biggest empire. Communism collapsed

In this new cold and hot war, car bombs and suicide bombers here and there will be no match for the arsenal those Westerners are putting together - an arsenal of laws, intelligence pooling, surveillance by satellites, armies of special forces, and indeed allies inside the Arab world who are tired of having their lives disrupted by demented so-called jihadis or those bearded preachers who under the guise of preaching do little to teach and much to ignite the fire, those who know little about Islam and nothing about humanity.

Last month I went to our CEO trip in Cabo San Lucas, the sales achievement award trip of my company. I swam with the dolphins, saw Sammy Hagar perform, played in a golf tournament, ate and drank at The Office, danced the mambo at The Mambo Cafe and in general had an excellent time.

The Guest Speaker for the trip was Andy Andrews, who was marvelous.

What could this one man possibly have to say that is important enough for the Commander of the Allied Air Forces to ask his help? Why did every senior leader the United States Air Force has in Europe and the Middle East recently assemble in one room—at one time—to hear him speak?

Who is this man, that he would walk the golf course with Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez as she played her last tournament as a touring professional? Why was he invited to spend an afternoon with General Norman Schwarzkopf and his son, who was about to depart for college? What would he be asked to discuss with a ninety-one-year-old Bob Hope alone by the swimming pool in the entertainer’s back yard?

Hailed by a New York Times writer as a “modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” Andy Andrews is an internationally known speaker and novelist whose combined works have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has been received at the White House and has spoken at the request of four different United States presidents. His two-hour PBS special is entitled Andy Andrews: The Seven Decisions and is now airing nationally to incredible reviews.

Andrews’s best-selling book, The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success, is an international sensation, remaining on the New York Times bestseller list for four and a half months and being translated into nearly twenty languages. Featured on ABC’s Good Morning America as a book-of–the-month selection, The Traveler’s Gift is the stunning story of one man’s search for meaning and success in life by traveling back into time and conversing with seven historic individuals. Its message of hope, faith, and perseverance is transforming thousands of lives worldwide every day, spawning a teen version, The Young Traveler’s Gift; The Traveler’s Gift Journal; a home study audio program, Timeless Wisdom from the Traveler; and life-study curriculums in high schools, mental-health organizations, and prisons nationwide.

Andrews lived a relatively normal life until the age of nineteen, when both his parents died—his mother from cancer, his father in an automobile accident. “I took a bad situation and made it much worse,” Andrews says with a rueful smile, referring to choices he made during this tragic period of his life. Within a span of several years, the young man found himself literally homeless (“before that was even a word!” he says), sleeping occasionally under a pier on the gulf coast or in someone’s garage.

It was at that time when Andrews asked the question that would focus his search for what would ultimately affect millions of people. The question? “Is life just a lottery ticket, or are there choices one can make to direct his future?” To find the answer, he first went to the library. There, over time, he read more than two hundred biographies of great men and women. How did they become the people they were? he wondered. Were they simply born this way? Or were there decisions made at critical junctures in their lives that led to such success? The young Andrews finally determined that there were seven characteristics that each person had in common. “What will happen,” he mused, “if I study these seven common denominators and harness them in my own life?”

The rest is history. “The Seven Decisions,” as he calls them, were the engines used to carry Andrews’s life in a different direction. And twenty-plus years later, these same Seven Decisions became the outline around which he built the story of The Traveler’s Gift and the basis of his PBS Special.

Bob laughed at me because I cried through at least half of Andy's presentation. Yes, I am a mushball.

When we got home, we each received an autographed copy of The Traveler's Gift. I've been reading it (repeatedly) at lunch.

The Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success (the book's subtitle) are:

The buck stops here.
I will seek wisdom.
I am a person of action.
I have a decided heart.
Today I will choose to be happy.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
I will persist without exception.


Some of these things are easier to commit to then others. For me, the hardest is forgiveness - both forgiving myself and others. But I'm trying.

Mexican Marinade

This is a great marinade and flavor enhancer for tofu and for any vegetables that will be roasted or baked.

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon minced serrano peppers
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a glass or ceramic bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to one month.

--from The Rancho La Puerta Cookbook - 175 Bold Vegetarian Recipes from America's Premier Fitness Spa by Bill Wavrin

Jarhead Red

Firestone Vineyard is proud to offer Jarhead Red as a perfect match for Memorial Day barbecues and summertime grilling.

Jarhead Red was conceived by Adam Firestone (CAPT USMC 1984-91) and vineyard foreman Ruben Dominguez (SGT USMC 1979-84). It is a robust, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine with rich black fruit flavors.

Net proceeds from Jarhead Red benefit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational assistance to children of U.S. Marines, with special attention given to children of fallen Marines. Visit www.JarheadRed.com for more information.

Isn't this truly obnoxious



The text on this banner reads Discover a Place Before The President Starts a War There Search from Here - Kayak.com.

Imagine, this is not a political site, this is a business. Guess they are writing off the red states. Or in their arrogance, they think that conservatives don't travel.

Here's the message from the affiliate site of Kayak.com

Congratulations! You have been approved into the Kayak.com Affiliate Program!

Created by co-founders of Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia, Kayak.com is a search engine that helps consumers find great travel deals from over 100 other travel sites.

Our Affiliate program gives you 50 % of the revenue we generate from visitors who are sent to us from your site.

We offer a variety of links and link types. We recommend using our popular (and high conversion) Dynamic Rich Media search box.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at partners@kayak.com with any questions.

Thank you for your participation in the Kayak.com affiliate program, and we look forward to a rewarding partnership with you!

I had one of their banners up on my Things You Should Do website, something with a normal message, but I went searching to find a banner I could post that was a different size when I stumbled across this one. I semt the affiliate manager an email last week expressing how offensive this banner was, but I received no reply (it figures)

Perhaps other bloggers might want to tell the founders of Orbitz, Travelocity & Expedia how offensive their marketing is.

Calling themselves the new Internet travel "dream team," a group of online travel experts has launched a Norwalk-based Web site to take on the companies they helped develop into industry giants. Former executives from Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia and Intuit have created Kayak.com, an online travel search site with its headquarters on Marshall Street /snip/ Kayak.com's founders include Steve Hafner, co-founder and chief executive officer of Kayak.com and a co-founder of Orbitz Inc. in 1999. /snip/ The Kayak.com team also includes Chairman of the Board Terry Jones, the former president and chief executive officer of Travelocity.com, which he helped found in 1996; and Greg Slyngstad, director, former senior vice president of destinations and lodging at Expedia.com, which he helped found. Also Keith Melnick, formerly a manager at the Boston Consulting Group, where he served on the launch team of Orbitz; Matt Mancuso, former corporate controller at Hotwire, which he helped found in 2000; and Drew Patterson, former director of pricing, distribution and e-commerce for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, where he oversaw formation of Travelweb, a hotel industry consortium to distribute net rate inventory.

I've posted before about my pal Minnesota Stacy, the former Vikings Cheerleader. Here's a post she sent me about their recent reunion.


Go to a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader Reunion


Here's a report from Mark Rosen, Sports Director and Anchor of WCCO in Minneapolis, Minnesota

You Can Go Home Again

Apr 23, 2006 7:18 pm



It's a safe assumption most of you have attended one or more of your high school reunions. I graduated from St. Louis Park High school in 1970 and have attended my 10, 20 and 30-year reunions. They were all special and weird in their own ways.

This weekend, I was asked to host a different sort of reunion: the 50th reunion of the St. Louis Park Parkettes, one of the first high school dance lines in the state of Minnesota. If you watched the Vikings play football, especially in the late '60s and '70s at Met Stadium, you would remember the Parkettes as the "official" dance team of the Vikings, long before "professional cheerleaders" took over.

Back in high school, most of these girls were the really "cool" girls. Guys like me didn't have the courage to speak to most of them, to say nothing of asking any of them out on a date. So here I was some 35 years later, at the podium of the Marriott Hotel in Minneapolis, facing a "roomful" of Parkettes.

I've interviewed everyone from Sandy Koufax to Michael Jordan, but I was never as nervous as I was looking around the room and seeing my class of Parkettes staring back at me.

It was great fun. I mean, I actually spoke to Andi Harris, the queen of the Parkettes in 1970, and in my speech said that moment was every bit a "Do You Believe in Miracles" as actually covering the Lake Placid Olympics in 1980. She said my comments earned her a lot of brownie points with her husband.

I am very proud to have graduated from St. Louis Park, with some terrific classmates, including the amazing columnist and author Thomas Friedman. That pride came through loud and clear in the words and feelings of everyone in attendance at the Parkette reunion.

For those three hours we all proved you can go home again. And for one night, I was the luckiest man in the world to be the chosen one to host their reunion. Now I can go on with the rest of my life.

I'm trying to get Stacy to write about the Things You Should Do in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I know their won't be as many things worthy of mention as there are in California, but going to the 150th Anniversary Party of Miller Beer (which I was invited to and should have gone if I wasn't so lame) and partying at Lake Minnetonka certainly deserve a mention.

HotPop should be named LukeWarmFizzle

I signed up for Hotpop last week. I had a support question. They said questions would be answered in 24 to 72 hours. 72 hours passes. Another 72 hours passes. They still haven't looked at my questions.

HotPop
Customer Service

Happy St Paddy's Day

A young Irish girl goes into her priest on Saturday morning for confession.
"Father, forgive me for I have Thinned."
"You've Thinned?"
"Yes, I went out with me boyfriend Friday night. He held me hand twice, kissed me three times, and made love to me two times."
"Daughter! I want you to go straight home, squeeze seven lemons into a glass, and drink it straight down."
"Will that wash away me Thin?"
"No, but it will get the silly smile off your face."

Wild Colonial Boy

You've heard this song in the movie The Quiet Man with John Wayne

There was a wild colonial boy. Jack Duggan was his name.
He was born and bred in Ireland In a town called Castlemane.
He was his father's only son; His mother's pride and joy.
And dearly did his parents love The wild colonial boy.

At the early age of sixteen years He left his native home,
And to Australia's sunny shores He was inclined to roam.
He robbed the wealthy squireen. All arms he did destroy.
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy.

One morning on the prairie, as Jack he rode along
A-listening to the mocking bird, a-singing a cheerful song
Up stepped a band of troopers: Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy
They all set out to capture him, the wild colonial boy

Surrender now, Jack Duggan, for you see we're three to one
Surrender in the King's high name, you are a plundering son
Jack drew two pistols from his belt, he proudly waved them high
I'll fight, but not surrender, said the wild colonial boy

He fired a shot at Kelly, which brought him to the ground
And turning round to Davis, he recieved a fatal wound
A bullet pierced his proud young heart, from the pistol of Fitzroy
And that was how they captured him, the wild colonial boy

Wild Rover

Heard at every rugby party

I've been a wild rover this many a year
And I've spent all my money on whisky and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never shall play the wild rover no more

Chorus
No, nae never, no nae never no more
shall I play
The wild rover no never no more

There was Kitty and Betsy and Margaret and Sue
And three or four more that belonged to our crew
We'd sit up till midnight and make the place roar
I've been the wild boy but I'll be so no more

I dropped into a shanty I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit she answered me nay
Such a custom as yours I can get every day

Then I drew from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
Said she I have whisky and wines of the best
And the words that I told you were only in jest

I'll go home to my parents confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they will do so as often before
Then I never shall play the wild rover no more


Molly Malone

I once named my cat Molly Malone

In Dublin's Fair City
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheel'd her wheel barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

Chorus
Alive, alive o!, alive, alive o!
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

She was a fishmonger
But sure 'twas no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they each wheel'd their barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

Chorus

She died of a fever
And no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

Chorus

The mistress of a big English house called her Irish maid and pointed out the dust still on top of the piano. 'Mary' she said 'I could write my name in this dust'. Mary responded 'Isn't education a grand thing ma'm'.

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Written by Chauncey Olcott, Performed by Bing Crosby

When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure 'tis like the morn in Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy
All the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling
Sure they steal your heart away

When Irish hearts are happy
All the world seems bright and gay
And when Irish eyes are smiling
Sure they steal your heart away.

My Wild Irish Rose

If you'll listen, I'll sing you a sweet little song,
Of a flower that's now drooped and dead,
Yet dearer to me, yes, than all of its mates,
Tho' each holds aloft its proud head.
'Twas given to me by a girl that I know,
Since we've met, faith, I've known no repose,
She is dearer by far than the world's brightest star,
And I call her my wild Irish Rose.

My wild Irish Rose,
The sweetest flow'r that grows,
You may search ev'rywhere,
But none can compare
With my wild Irish Rose.
My wild Irish Rose,
The dearest flow'r that grows,
And some day for my sake,
She may let me take
The bloom from my wild Irish Rose.

They may sing of their roses which, by other names,
Would smell just as sweetly, they say,
But I know that my Rose would never consent
To have that sweet name taken away.
Her glances are shy when e'er I pass by
The bower, where my true love grows;
And my one wish has been that some day I may win
The heart of my wild Irish Rose.

My wild Irish Rose,
The sweetest flow'r that grows,
You may search ev'rywhere,
But none can compare
With my wild Irish Rose.
My wild Irish Rose,
The dearest flow'r that grows,
And some day for my sake,
She may let me take
The bloom from my wild Irish Rose.

Q. What is Irish diplomacy?
A. It's the ability to tell a man to go to hell.
So that he will look forward to making the trip

Black Velvet Band

I love this song!
In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprenticed to trade I was bound
And many an hour's sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town.
Till bad misfortune came o'er me
That caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band.

Chorus:
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.

As, I was out strolling one evening
Not meaning to go very far
I met with a ficklesum damsel
She was selling her trade in the bar.
When a watch she took from a customer
And slipped it right into my hand
Then the Law came and put me in prison
Bad luck to the black velvet band.

Next morning before judge and jury
For a trial I had to appear
And the judge, he said, "Me young fellow...
The case against you is quite clear
And seven long years is your sentence
You're going to Van Dieman's Land
Far away from your friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band."

So come all you jolly young fellows
I'd have you take warning by me
Whenever you're out on the liquor, me lads,
Beware of the pretty colleen.
She'll fill you with whiskey and porter
Til you're not able to stand
And the very next thing that you'll know, me lads,
You're landed in Van Dieman's Land.

Danny Boy

Oh Danny boy, the pipes,
the pipes are calling
From glen to glen,
and down the mountain side

The summer's gone,
and all the flowers are falling
'Tis you, 'tis you
must go and I must bide

But come ye back
when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed
and white with snow

And I'll be here
in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy,
I love you so

But if you come,
and all the flowers are falling
And I am dead,
as dead I may well be

You'll come and find
the place where I am lying
And kneel and say
an "Ave" there for me

And I will hear,
though soft your tread above me
And o'er my grave
will warmer sweeter be

And you will bend
and tell me that you love me
And I will sleep
in peace until you come to me

But if I live
and should you die for Ireland
Let not your dying thoughts
be just of me

But say a prayer to God
for our dearest Island
I know He'll hear
and help to set her free

And I will take your pike
and place my dearest
And strike a blow,
though weak the blow may be

Twill help the cause
to which your heart was nearest
Oh Danny Boy, Oh, Danny boy
I love you so.

Irish Toasts

May those who love us love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.

May you live to be a hundred
And may I live to sing at your wake!

Here's to me, and here's to you,
And here's to love and laughter-
I'll be true as long as you,
And not one moment after.

Only Irish Coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat.

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

Some may say the glass is half empty,
Some may say the glass is half full,
But the Irish will forever say
"Are you gonna drink that?"

Here's to the four hinges of society.
May you fight, steal, lie and drink.
When you fight, may you fight for your country.
When you steal, may you steal away from bad company.
When you lie, may you lie at the side of your sweetheart.
And when you drink, may you drink with me.

May you have food and raiment,
A soft pillow for your head,
May you be forty years in heaven
Before the devil knows you're dead.

The Rose of Tralee

The pale moon was rising above the green mountain
The sun was declining beneath the blue sea
When I strayed with my love to the pure crystal fountain
That stands in beautiful vale of Tralee.
She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer
Yet, 'twas not her beauty alone that won me
Oh no! 'Twas the the truth in her eye ever beaming
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading
And Mary all smiling was listening to me
The moon through the valley her pale rays was shedding
When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee.
Though lovely and fair as the rose of the summer
Yet, 'twas not her beauty alone that won me
Oh no! 'Twas the the truth in her eye ever beaming
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

FOUR GREEN FIELDS

"What did I have?" said the fine old woman
"What did I have?" this proud old woman did say
"I had four green fields, each one was a jewel
But strangers came and tried to take them from me
I had fine strong sons, they fought to save my jewels
They fought and died, and that was my grief" said she

"Long time ago" said the fine old woman
"Long time ago" this proud old woman did say
"There was war and death, plundering and pillage
My children starved by mountain valley and sea
And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens
My four green fields ran red with their blood" said she

"What have I now?" said the fine old woman
"What have I now?" this proud old woman did say
"I have four green fields, one of them's in bondage
In stranger's hands, that tried to take it from me
But my sons have sons, as brave as were their fathers
My fourth green field will bloom once again" said she

A NATION ONCE AGAIN

When boyhood's fire was in my blood
I read of ancient freemen,
For Greece and Rome who bravely stood,
Three hundred men and three men;
And then I prayed I yet might see
Our fetters rent in twain,
And Ireland. long a province, be
A Nation once again!

Chorus:
A nation once again,
A nation once again,
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!

And from that time, through wildest woe,
That hope has shown a far light,
Nor could love's brightest summer glow
Outshine that solemn starlight;
It seemed to watch above my head
In forum, field and fame,
Its angel voice sang round my bed,
A Nation once again.

Chorus.

It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark,
And service high and holy,
Would be profaned by feeling dark
And passions vain or lowly;
For, Freedom comes from God's right hand,
And needs a godly train;
And righteous men must make our land
A nation once again!

Chorus.

Boys From County Armagh

There's one fair county in Ireland
With memory so glorious and grand
Where nature has lavished her bounty
On the orchard of Erins great land
I love its cathedral city
Once founded by Patrick so true
And there in the heart of it's bosom
Are the ashes of Brian Boru

Chorus
It's my own Irish home far across the foam
And tho' I've often left it in foreign lands to roam
No matter where I wander
Through cities near and far
My heart's at home in old Ireland
In the county of Armagh

I've travelled the heart of this county
Through Newtown, Forkhill, Crossmaglen
Around the gap of Mount Norris
And home by Blackwater again
Where the girls are so gay and so hearty
None fairer in Erin Go Bragh
Ah, where are the boys that can court them
Like the boys from the county Armagh

Chorus

The New Priest

A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he couldn't stand still. He asked Father Murphy for some advice. Father Murphy replied, "When I'm worried about gettin' nervous on the pulpit, I take a wee bit o' whiskey. Just to calm my nerves." So the next Sunday he took the older priest's advice. Before the mass, he got nervous and took a drink. He then proceeded to talk up a storm. Upon return to his office after mass, he found the following note on his door:

1. A few sips of whiskey. Not the whole bottle.

2. There are 10 commandments, not 12.

3. There are 12 disciples, not 10.

4. Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.

5. Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass.

6. We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C.

7. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as Senior, Junior, and the Spook.

8. David slew Goliath, he did not kick the shit out of him.

9. When David was hit by a rock and knocked off his donkey, don't say "He was stoned off his ass."

10. We do not refer to the cross as the Big T!

11. When Jesus broke the bread at the Last Supper he said, "Take this and eat it, for it is my body"; he did not say, Eat me."

12. The Virgin Mary is not referred to as the, "Mary with the Cherry".

13. The recommended grace before a meal is not: "Rub-A-dub-dub, thanks for the grub, yea God"

14. Next Sunday there will be a taffy-pulling contest at St. Patrick's, not a patrick-pulling contest at St. Taffy's.

CIGARETTES, WHISKEY AND WILD WILD WOMEN

recorded long ago by Red Nichols and the Natural Seven RG
chorus: Cigarettes, whiskey and wild wild women
They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane;
Cigarettes, whiskey and wild wild women
They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane;

Once I was happy and had a good wife
I had enough money to last me for life
Then I met with a gal and we went on a spree
She taught me smokin' and drinkin' whiskee
(CHORUS)

Cigarettes are a blight on the whole human race
A man is a monley with one in his face;
Take warning dear friend, take warning dear brother
A fire's on one end, a fools on the t'other.
(CHORUS)

And now good people, I'm broken with faith
The lines on my face make a well written page
I'm weavin' this story -- how sadly but true
On women and whiskey and what they can do
(CHORUS)

Wild the cross at the head of my grave
For women and whiskey here lies a poor slave.
Take warnin' poor stranger, take warnin' dear friend
In wide clear letters this tale of my end.
(CHORUS)

"Why do you Irish always answer a question with a question?" asked President Franklin D. Roosevelt. "Do we now?" came New York Mayor Al Smith's reply.

IF YOU'RE IRISH COME INTO THE PARLOR

In sweet Lim'rick Town, they say,
Lived a chap named Patrick John MoIIoy.
Once he sailed to U.S.A.
His luck in foreign parts he thought he'd try.
Now he's made his name, and is a wealthy man,
He put a bit away for a rainy day;
So if you gaze upon
The house of Patrick John,
You'll find a notice that goes on to say:

Chorus:
If you're Irish come into the parlour,
There's a welcome there for you;
If your name is Timothy or Pat,
So long as you come from Ireland,
There's a welcome on the mat,
If You come from the Mountains of Mourne,
Or Killarney's lakes so blue,
We'll sing you a song and we'll make a fuss,
Whoever you are you are one of us,
If you're Irish, this is the place for you!

Patrick loved the girl he wed,
But he could not stand his Ma-n-aw,
Once with joy he turned quite red,
When she got into trouble thro' her jaw.
Six police they had to take her to the Court,
She was informed a month she would have to do,
So Patrick quickly wrote
Up to the Judge a note
Explaining, "Sir, I'm much obliged to you!"

WHO THREW THE OVERALLS IN MISTRESS MURPHY'S CHOWDER?
Mistress Murphy gave a party just about a week ago,
Everything was plentiful, the Murphys, they're not slow.
They treated us like gentlemen; we tried to act the same
And only for what happened, well it was an awful shame.
Wkhen Mrs. Murphy dished the chowder out she fainted on the spot;
She found a pair of overalls at the bottom of the pot.
Tim Nolan he got ripping mad, his eyes were bulging out,
He jumped upon the piano and loudly he did shout.

cho: "Who threw the overalls in Mistress Murphy's chowder?"
Nobody spoke so he shouted all the louder.
It's an Irish trick that's true, but I can lick the Mick that threw
The overalls in Mistress Murphy's chowder.

They dragged the pants from out the soup and laid them on the floor;
Each man swore upon his life, he'd ne'er seen them before.
They were plastered up with mortar and were worn out at the knee,
They had their many ups and downs as we could plainly see.
And when Mrs. Murphy she came-to she 'gan to cry and pout,
She had them in the wash that day and forgot to take them out.
Tim Nolan, he excused himself for what he said that night,
So we put music to the words and sang with all our might.

chorus:

Wish I Knew the Tune to This

It's from the movie Take Me Out to The Ball Game (1949)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Music: Roger Edens
Lyrics: Betty Comden + Adolph Green
Premiere: 1949
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If It Weren't For The Irish

Verse 1:

They used to sing of "Lanigan's Ball,"
And sing of "Branigan's Band;"
Aye, "Lanigan's Ball," I like to recall,
And "Branigan's Band" was grand;
They used to sing of "Barney McCoy,"
They'd even sing a song about "Pat Malloy;"
They'd sing a song of joy,
Each Irish girl and boy.

Chorus 1:

If it weren't for the Irish, you'd have to forsake
Sweet "Rosie O'Grady," and "Finnegan's wake,"
And "My Wild Irish Rose," that you sing louder.
Then the Overalls in "Missus Murphy's chowder."
If it weren't for the Irish, you'd lose from the start,
Your Father's Shillelagh and "Peg O' My Heart."
There would be no stew the Mulligans once made,
There would be no Saint Patrick's Day parade,
There would be no pickin' Shamrock, no "wearin' of the green,"
And there'd be no one to ever take you home again Kathleen.
If it weren't for the Irish, there never would be
A Johnny McCormack, a "Mother McCree;"
When your Irish eyes are smilin' I would never see them,
If it weren't for the Irish,
If it weren't for the Irish,
If it weren't for the Irish in me.

Verse 2:

They used to sing "The Mulligan Guard,"
The Mulligan Guard did, too.
"The Mulligan Guard" was never as hard
As makin' Mulligan stew.
They sang a song of daughter and son,
To sing of anyone was lots of fun,
They even sang 'em sad,
Each Irish lass and lad.

Chorus 1:

If it weren't for the Irish, you'd have to forsake
Sweet "Rosie O'Grady," and "Finnegan's wake,"
And "My Wild Irish Rose," that you sing louder.
Then the Overalls in "Missus Murphy's chowder."
If it weren't for the Irish, you'd lose from the start,
Your Father's Shillelagh and "Peg O' My Heart."
There would be no stew the Mulligans once made,
There would be no Saint Patrick's Day parade,
There would be no pickin' Shamrock, no "wearin' of the green,"
And there'd be no one to ever take you home again Kathleen.
If it weren't for the Irish, there never would be
A Johnny McCormack, a "Mother McCree;"
When your Irish eyes are smilin' I would never see them,
If it weren't for the Irish,
If it weren't for the Irish,
If it weren't for the Irish in me.

Chorus 2:

If it weren't for the Irish, there'd be no "Paddy's Pigs,"
No "bringin' up Father," no "Maggie and Jiggs."
And no whiskey stills or Guinness stout a-bubblin',
And no Abbey Players actin' in Ould Dublin!
If it weren't for the Irish, you'd find as before:
No Corn Beef and Cabbage and no Dinty Moore.
You would never hear of "Paddy Duffy's Cart,"
There would be no team of Harrigan and Hart,
There'd be no Kilkenny kittens, no setter dogs to sire,
And no cow for Miss O'Leary and no big Chicago fire!
If it weren't for the Irish, there never would be
A ghost or a goblin or wailing Banshee;
As for ghosties and for ghoulies, I would never see them,
If it weren't for the Irish,
If it weren't for the Irish,
If it weren't for the Irish in me.