Nollaig Shona Duit
  Vol 1     Number 9                                                                  Third Week
                                                           
Irish News USA E-Missive
                                 December, 2009                       
 
In This Issue


First Feature:
Irish Christmas
Traditions
Part 2 of 3


GRINCH REVIEW



A Word from
our Sponsor:

Metro Acura



Pub of the Week:
Featued Pubs

Upcoming
Irish Events



New RIVERDANCE
Contest
Details
in our
Calendar Section

EnterToWin






Christmas
Buying Guide

Tudor House
Tea Room & Shop


Red Roses
and Petrol
DVD



Letter from the Publisher:
Jim McDonough




Irish Public Service Announcement
Wells of Life
Your Help is
NEEDED!




All Things Irish Blog



Please PATronize
Our Advertisers

Links

Great Ideas for
Christmas and
New Year's Festivities!
Irish Whiskey Cakes
Beef & Lamb
Irish Stews...
Just a click away...

caledoniankitchen.com
Caledonian Kitchen logo



Ireland at
your doorstep...

SEE NEW STOCK NOW...
irishimportshop.com



www.MagnersCider.com
Magners
 

Calendar Preview

O'Brien's
Santa Monica

The Harp Inn
Costa Mesa

King's Head in
Santa Monica


Theater Listings:
Los Angeles Area

At The Pantages
Grinch NOW
Riverdance JANUARY

ACS
A Child's Christmas in Wales

Fremont Centre
Ray Bradbury Christmas




Every Monday
and Special Events
Celtic Arts Center
N. Hollywood



Got Listings??
E-Mail Us at

celticlistings@aol.com

Or Drop Us
a line at

IRISH NEWS
BOX 882
Pasadena, CA 91102






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developed a
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and

On-Line
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is good for all
of US!


Jim's Cell: 785-341-6923
Direct E-mail:
jmcdonough44@gmail.com

First Feature:

Irish Christmas Traditions

Long before the custom of Christmas Trees reached Ireland, most Irish homes were often decorated with holly.
This practice had and still has religious overtones, the green holly represents the crown of thorns and the red berries signify the drops of Christ's blood. E
verything in the homes of Ireland, from banisters, mantles, tables and picture frames inside and doorways inside and out, was covered with holly. It was another sure sign that Christmas was coming. In all of the British Isles, the Twelve Days of Christmas were celebrated and Ireland still carries on the tradition to this day. The celebrations and observations start on Christmas Day and
go on till January 6, the Feast Day of the Epiphany.
Celebrating the TWELVE DAYS seems like an Irish Tradition that would be well worth reviving. Our modern Christmas when everything goes
out with the trash on December 26 is lacking in many ways. Small towns are still great places to
find a lot of the old traditions.

Dublin, Ohio Tree Lighting
   Tree Lighting in Dublin, Ohio, 2009,
Dublin is a small town near Columbus , Ohio that still has some nice old fashioned community Yuletide Celebrations.
Dublin is also, host of a great Irish Festival each year;
we came across this scene when we were doing research
for a series
we will be doing in 2010 called the:

Dublins of America.

Nollaig Shona Duit Agaibh Do Gach Duine
Our GREETINGS BANNER at the top of this issue is Irish Gaelic for...
"Merry Christmas to You
and to Everyone"...
It is pronounced...
Nollig honna gwits     agiv doe gak dwina...

THIS WAS PART TWO OF A THREE PART SERIES.
PART THREE NEXT WEEK; ED


REVIEW:

How The Grinch Stole ChristmasGrinch Finale
  Truly one of a kind...
By Mark McDonough


How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a timeless
Dr Seuss classic that is known by young and old alike.
The movie is aired on TV all through the holiday season
and there is no shortage of parents reading the book to their children this time of year. Here is something you may not be aware of, it is also a great musical and currently on stage at the Pantages theater in Hollywood but only until December 27th. If you are looking for some good family entertainment or f
or a real holiday treat, go see it.
Jo
Old Maxhn Larroquette stars
as old Max (pictured right)
with a slew of very talented performers. The story is brilliantly told in a very entertaining fashion and even the biggest Grinch will be able to find some enjoyment and holiday cheer if in attendance. It is easy to get lost in the magic and even easier to find yourself singing along to the classic song,
You're a mean one Mr. Grinch
or to be captivated by the charm of young Cindy-Lou Who. The Christmas season is a time for cheer, giving and laughter and this show will remind you of all of that and more. It doesn't matter who you are or how old you are this show is for everyone just like this season.  So spread some cheer and be Santa for a day by taking someone special to see
How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Merry Christmas to ALL!!
Special Thanks to All Our Customers and Friends
and IRISH NEWS USA Readers for making
2009 another great year!

Terry McCartan, Sales Manager


Looking for a NEW ACURA
Why buy anywhere else but METRO ACURA/HONDA?

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No other Acura or Honda Dealer in So Cal offers this Protection!
Special Holiday Offer;
Make a great deal and we will give you a
Special Celtic Christmas Gift Pack as an added Bonus!!*


Call and make your appointment TODAY.
Ask for Terry McCartan 909-447-6000
tmccartan@metroacura.dealercrm.com

www.metroacura.com

*Offer Good Through 1/6/2010

Enter
to win...
A pair of

tickets to
Riverdance
at the Pantages Theater
Easy to enter!
Simply E-mail us
your name
and address...

On the subject line
write
Riverdance.

Christmas Buying Guide
Excerpted from the
Irish News & Entertainment
See the entire list in the December Issue!
We can E-mail you a PDF File of the
December Paper; see contact info below.


The Tudor House
Tea Room and Shop
This Santa Monica Landmark was expanded and remodeled last year and it has a much more appealing interior and layout. What has not changed is the fine service and selection; all of that is just as good as ever. The Tea Room now serves  Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea. If you are an old customer or new, the Christmas Season is always a great time to drop by and enjoy a meal or traditional Tea Service. The Tudor House shop right in the same premises as the Tea Room make it extremely convenient to shop.

The shop now has a greater selection of imported foodstuffs
including biscuits, condiments, hard to find curries, jams,
sweets of all kinds and a great selection of tea and much more.
You can find unique gift items such as China, Teacups and sets, fragrances and even linens. In addition, they have a nice range of Holiday gift baskets. Finally, the Tudor House Bakery offers the best selection of traditional cakes, scones, tarts and freshly made baked goods to be found in Santa Monica or the West Side.

Store Hours:  Mon & Tues: 10:00-6:00 and Wed-Sun: 10:00-6:00

Tudor House
1403 Second Street
(between Santa Monica Blvd & Colorado)
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 451-4107

If you are too far away, hurry and you could shop online in time for Christmas delivery.
www.thetudorhouse.com


Unique gift! Special Collector's Edition DVD of the Irish Film
Red Roses and Petrol

This Collectors Offer includes several authentic film frames cut directly from an official 35mm release print of Red Roses and Petrol.
 Based on the acclaimed play by Joseph O'Connor,  Red Roses and Petrol is set at an Irish Wake in Dublin. Interesting characters and good dialogue as the story unfolds and explores the universal themes of betrayal, love and loss within the extended Doyle Family.
Stars Malcolm McDowell...Clockwork Orange,  Susan Lynch...Waking Ned Devine, and former Miss Ireland Olivia Tracey.

Songs by Flogging Molly and Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles.
This very special DVD 'Collector's Offer' is available for order now, while supplies last.  Orders can be placed online at:
www.wwmpc.com/special-dvd-offer


Irish News USA CALENDAR

Listings By Date...


Now through
Thursday, December 24
Muldoon's Pub's IRISH DICKENS'
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

2009 marks the 22nd Year
for this Yuletide Favorite
Come on in and revel in the Fun
Space is Limited - Don't Miss It -
Call Now to Book Reservations

Muldoon's Pub
202 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA
949 640-4110

www.muldoonspub.com


Saturday December 19
Starting at 8:30am  to afternoon...
The Annual "Friends Outside" 
Each year a Christmas Party for the Children of the incarcerated* is hosted by St. Vincent de Paul staff.
AOH Volunteers help to  make a Happy Holiday for
these needy children, our readers have been invited
to join in on this effort.
Toys and volunteers are still needed
as early as
8:30 AM to help set up
booths
and decorations.

Emeralds
The Los Angeles Emerald Society Pipe Band will play!

Would you like to help?  Please contact
Jerry O'Keefe: 714 998-9590 or 714-403-3681
or by  e-mail at: Irishfree1916@aol.com.
You can also drop off a toy at one of the many Toys For Tots collection points throughout Orange County.

*Children who have one  or sometimes both of their parents in jail or prison.
Holidays are especially tough for some of these kids.
Event Location
Phoenix Club
1340 South Sanderson  Avenue

Anaheim, California

More on the Emerald Society and Pipe Band:
www.emeraldsociety.net

Saturday, December 19,
8:00pm

An Claidheamh Soluis/The Celtic Arts Center
will present an evening of readings by seasoned performers from the works of Welsh poet,
Dylan Thomas, including 'A Child's Christmas in Wales'
read by actor/director Joe Praml.
Admission $10 for non-members; $7 for members.
Holiday refreshments are included in the price of admission.
Information or reservations: 818 392-7102.

The Raven Playhouse
5233 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA

More information about the Celtic Arts Center is available at www.celticartscenter.com

Tuesday,December 22 and
Sunday, December 27
Both nights at 7:00pm

Holiday Lights Tour along the waterfront and neighborhoods of Long Beach, Belmont
Shore and Naples. The cost is only $10, must call and make a reservation.
Drinks after at O'Malley's Pub if we get enough in our group. The pick up is at the SEAPORT MARINA HOTEL
at PCH & 2nd. St. in Long Beach.


Call Peter at the BIG RED BUS
562 852-9888
www.bigredbus.com


Theater

Now through Saturday, December 27
Call for times and tickets or go OnLine
Dr. Seuss'
HOW THE GRINCH
STOLE CHRISTMAS!

The Musical
Great Family Fun!
The Los Angeles Premiere of Broadway's
#1 Holiday Hit stars John Larroquette and
Stefan Karl as THE GRINCH!

The Musical features the hit songs
"You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and
 "Welcome Christmas" from the original
animated series
.

Box Office:  323-468-177


GrinchGrinchTickets/Info

Riverdance smallRiverdanceTickets/Info



Saturdays, December 12 and 19
at 8:00pm          
THE PLAY'S THE THING
RAY BRADBURY'S MERRY CHRISTMAS 2116

For several years now, the Fremont Centre Theatre
has played host to a special Christmas show from
Ray Bradbury. 
This year is a special treat for Bradbury fans:
an advance look at his newest work for the stage.
The new musical production will have its formal
World Premiere at Fremont Centre Theatre in
January, 2010 and run through February 27.
In Ray Bradbury's Merry Christmas 2116, an aging couple,
The  Wycherlys, exchange unique gifts which sets off
a series of intriguing events.

In addition to the musical, the second segment of the
December evenings will be a personal appearance by
Ray Bradbury, sharing the reminiscences of a legendary life and career.  He will also be available to sign books
for his fans.
Fremont Centre Theatre
1000 Fremont Ave. (at El Centro)
South Pasadena, CA
Phone: 323 960-4451

Abundant free parking behind the theatre.
Close to the Mission St. Station of the Metrolink Gold Line.

More OnLIne:

www.raybradbury.com



Riverdance Returns
January 12 to 24, 2010
RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music,
song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, is returning for ONLY 16 Farewell Performances in
Los Angeles at the Pantages.
Riverdance Company
 "A Phenomenon of Historic Proportions!" raves the Washington Post (6/10/07). Discover why nothing in the world compares to
"The Original International Phenomenon!"
 Whether it's your first time or your fifth, you won't
want to miss these great performances of RIVERDANCE.


Riverdance/Pantages




ON-Going...

An Claidheamh Soluis
The Celtic Arts Center

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS & SEISIÚ
N

Please join us Monday nights at our new meeting place...
T. U. Studios or Theatre Unlimited
10943 Camarillo Street

North Hollywood, CA

Please continue the website for any possible class .and event schedule adjustments.
CelticArtsCenter.com

FIRST TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH
at 9.45 am
Friends of Ireland
Informal meeting of folks who love All Things Irish. and enjoy breakfast and meeting socially. Each guest pays for their own meal. No dues.
Group meets at the
Katella Deli
4470 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos Ca
Infopbeireanua@att.net
Phone: 714 557-8983 .

This Irish/Celtic Calendar is a free service
to our readers. Please send suggestions
and submissions to:

celticlistings@aol.com
Need Loan or Real Estate Advice?
May we recommend...

Sean Gunning
REALTOR®
Mortgage Consultant
RE/MAX College Park Realty
& College Park Mortgage

10791 Los Alamitos Blvd.
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Cell: 562 209-3051
E-Mail: seang@remaxcollegepark.com

www.seangunning.com
seangunning.featuredblog.com

Pubs of the Week:
Sponsored by
PubGuide.com

The Pubs Featured this week are all doing
something special for this Holiday Season.
Drop by and join in the Christmas Festivities
and plan now for New Year's Eve & Day!

O'Briens Irish Pub & Restaurant
Wilshire in Santa Monica

O'Briens is ready for Christmas, great Holiday ambiance and atmosphere. Enjoy an informal gathering with friends and
family at this fine pub.
New Year's Afternoon and Evening Celebrations!
Ring in the IRISH NEW YEAR at 4:00pm PST...
Midnight in Ireland! Return for a fixed price dinner
and drinks in the evening.
O'Brien's Pub on Wilshire
2226 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
310 829-5303

The Harp Inn
Come see ALL the Games in HDTV
Live Music most days!
Join us for your Holiday Party...
The Harp Inn is available for parties, fundraisers
and functions. We can cater for any occasion
and provide food and music.
Our Annual New Year's Party is fast approaching.
Call Now!
130 E. 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949646-8855
www.harpinn.com


The King's Head Pub
and Shoppe

Join us for Happy Hour;
Monday thru Friday from
4:00 to 7:00 PM
Drink and Appetizer Specials
in the Pub ONLY

Special Christmas Eve Celebrations
Snow, Drinks AND SANTA!

You are invited to join in on our double
New Year's Eve Fun,
British New Year at 4:00pm PST.
Count down all evening for our
Midnight Celebration!
116 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
310 451-1402
yeoldekingshead.com


Muldoon's Pub
Drop by anytime in December
and enjoy a great lunch or dinner
and top it off with a glass of
Muldoon's authentic Wassel!

Make Plans to Entertain at Muldoon's for
the Holidays! Use the festive backdrop to
give your guests a real Holiday atmosphere
You won't have to decorate or cook!
Just give them a call to arrange Holiday gatherings
of all sizes for your family, friends or
 business associates.
Call 949 640-4110  Ask for Mary!
*NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY*
NO COVER - LIVE MUSIC -
PARTY FAVORS & NOISE MAKERS -
MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!!!!

Muldoon's Pub & Celtic Bar
202 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA
949 640-4110
www.muldoonspub.com




If you have a favorite pub that you would like us to list and profile; please contact:jim@pubguide.com

Have you missed an issue of IrishNews USA E-Missive?
If so; click here for last weeks newsletter:
IrishNews USA #8

Letter from the Publisher...




Dear IRISH NEWS USA Readers,
For Christmas, all we want is your help in raising the money to drill a clean water well in Uganda.
Please read the appeal in our Public Service Block below.

*************************************

The Annual Irish News
Christmas Issue  is out!
Look for it this week at most of our advertisers.


CELTIC CHRISTMAS BUYING GUIDE Issue might have a clue to just what you need to make this year
a great Irish Christmas to remember!
We can E-mail you a PDF File that is a
complete copy of our print edition. Just send
a note with your E-mail address to us.
Our E-mail address for this offer is:

celticlistings@aol.com


*********************************************************
  E-Missives of Irish Interest is a FREE service provided by the Irish News & Entertainment.
  Let us know how we can better serve your interests by contacting us by E-mail  or regular mail.
 
A new or renewal subscription to our print edition
MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
  and can be obtained  by mailing $20 to:
  Irish News
  Box 882
  Pasadena, CA 91102

  You will receive 8 issues per year mailed
First Class US Mail
  You also receive a FREE Irish Music CD
with your first copy.
  Overseas postage is $12. more per year.


Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!!

Jim McDonough,

Publisher



Irish News USA Public Service Block


WELLS OF LIFE
Last week we profiled Nick Jordan and Wells of Life,
a 501C3 Non Profit Foundation, as our First Feature.
We have spoken to Nick Jordan, the co-founder of
Wells of Life, again since we published that small story
and he gave us a great challenge and goal for
our
Weekly Irish E-Missive Readers and Friends of the
Irish News & Entertainment.Nick and Children
Nick  Jordan and Children in Uganda

Jordan suggested that we try to raise the money through this service to drill and dedicate an
IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL in Uganda.
We are ready for the challenge. We have made this our Christmas Project. The program is an astonishing bargain. A well to reach precious water and to change the lives of hundreds of people costs $3000. The foundation has a matching funds program with one of their corporate sponsors so that our advertisers, readers and staff can act together to raise just $1500 and we will be able to help drill a specific well in Uganda. By "specific" we mean that a
particular  well will be dedicated to our efforts and it will be known as the IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL.
Your donation is tax deductible. It is Christmas and it is near the end of the year. It is a perfect time to do this.
We need your help. Wells of Life has set up a separate account to track all donations from us or our readers.
Please mention that you are part of the Irish News USA Readers Group.
Make a check to WELLS OF LIFE for any amount from
$25. or more and send it to:

WELLS OF LIFE
1278 Glenneyre Stree, #60,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949 584-6166
Email: info@wellsoflifeafrica.org
Hours: 8:00am - 8:00pm (PST)

You can also donate OnLine. Make sure you mention our group. If you can to do so; please send in the entire
amount of
$1500 for a well dedicated to whoever you choose and we will still include you in our list of donors to our designated IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL.
More information at:
www.wellsoflifeafrica.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This part of the newsletter is provider at no cost
to non-profits and/or groups or businesses that
are promoting Celtic Cultural, Educational or Humanitarian Projects. To submit an idea for
a featured listing; E-Mail us at:
celticlistings@aol.com or call:785 341-6923

Jim's All Things Irish Blog

This weekly blog features events, news
and commentary and is written
by Irish News & Entertainment
Publisher, Jim McDonough.
It is a lively, slightly irreverent approach
to items of Irish and Celtic interest.
You can sign up on the blog and you will be
notified when a new post is added or
if there is breaking news.
JimsAllThingsIrishBlog


There are some great offers for Irish Goods, Services
and Travel on the  blog pages. Click through the ads
next to the blog text for details. Comments made on
the blog will be shared with all our readers.

I have another blog with a more somber message.
Skip A Meal and you might live longer and save a life.
Please have a look.
EconomicsOfChaos


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2010 ACURAJim McDonough
E-Mail: jimmcd44@aol.com
Cell: 785 341-6923

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