Podcasts about irish gaelic

In this episode, we're diving into Kneecap, Ireland's submission for Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. This high-energy film follows the Irish rap group Kneecap as they bring hip-hop to life in old Irish Gaelic, pushing back against cultural repression. It's got that same adrenaline rush as Whiplash and Slumdog Millionaire, but with a completely unique voice. We'll break down why Kneecap stands out, how diverse storytelling can break through, and why filmmakers should focus on creating authentic, fresh perspectives—without forcing it. If you love films that introduce you to new worlds, this episode is for you.

Irish sheep farming, deep-seated family tensions, and a brewing conflict between neighbors—sounds like the setup for a quiet indie drama. But in"Bring Them Down," the upcoming revenge thriller from first-time directorChris Andrews, those elements fuel a gripping, morally complex battle of wills. In this episode ofThe Discourse, hostMike DeAngelo sits down with actor Christopher Abbott to discuss leading the film, producing it, and why he was drawn to a story steeped in generational trauma and rural survival. The film also stars Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, and more.For Christopher Abbott, the chance to dive into such a layered role was too intriguing to pass up—even if it meant embracing the challenges of an Irish dialect. “I think I have a little bit of a knack for accents,” he admitted, though he knew even Irish actors would struggle with the script's use of the traditional Irish/Gaelic language. “It was always going to be a challenge for anyone.” Despite the difficulty, Abbott was drawn to the project for the same reason he takes on most of his work—it keeps him engaged. “I get bored easily,” he said. “I like challenges that keep my focus.”

Cáel gets an offer that is too good to be true.In 25 parts, edited from the works of FinalStand.Listen and subscribe to the ► Podcast at Connected..“People who forget their past are doomed to be blind-sided by it.”MondayI couldn't help but notice the similarity between myself and the other four new hires. We were all clean cut men, fresh out of college, fit and masculine. The 'men' part of the equation made sense. Havenstone Commercial Investments had come out of a long legal proceeding over their accused discriminatory policies.An undisclosed settlement had been reached plus they agreed to implement this new program to hire more men. For me that meant an employment opportunity with a Fortune 500 company despite my rather underwhelming collegiate career. Don't get me wrong; I had good grades. I also went to a college virtually no one had ever heard of, Bolingbrook College in New Hampshire.With me was Chinese-American Brian Fung from Harvard, blue blood Trent Grant from Carnegie-Melon, African-American Khalid Adzharia from MIT and Salvadoran-American Felix Melena from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For starters, they all had far better academic pedigrees them me, nicer toys, and better looking suits.The second they found out where I was from, I was dropped out of their conversation. They were bragging about their awards and accomplishments, their families and where they vacationed, professors who knew them on a first name basis and when they planned to get their master's degrees. Given time to take in our circumstances without the distraction of being part of their little club, something occurred to me.We were all freaking gorgeous. I don't mean cultured, handsome, or attractive to the opposite sex. I meant every one of us would be hit on in a nightclub in under five minutes unless we had a significant other hanging all over us. I was getting a sinking suspicion about what Havenstone considered 'crucial' for job performance and it didn't have anything to do with what alumni we were now part of.Here I was with my Father's dark good looks, my genetics an ancient blend of Bulgarian and Turkish with a recent addition of Irish Gaelic. My eyes, the legacy of my Mom, were a deep emerald green. The broad shoulders, narrow waist and powerful arms and legs were part heritage with a serious application of physical activity. I exercised constantly, swam whenever I could and cycling was my religion; the tougher the terrain, the better.Better yet, the brainiacs around me hadn't seemed to figure that out yet. Maybe they thought I was a 'legacy' hire, I had a relative on the inside. Nope. Mom died when I was seven and my Dad worked for Illinois Power and Light as a line runner. His sister, Aunt Stella, was a crab fisherwoman in Maryland and unmarried.A series of off-handed comments in the interview process suddenly came back to haunt me. I'd been asked about who I was close to, both presently and back in college. They wanted to know about my 'moral character'. Fuck it all, I'd filled out a dating survey! I'd never used a matchmaking service, but I bet if I logged on to E-Harmony, I'd recognize the questions.The door to the conference room opened and seven women entered. Ms. Tessa Carmichael had handled the interview process. Umami Lhasa was her Hindi assistant and all-around encyclopedia of all things Havenstone. The other five were unknown to me and, I had a feeling, unknown to my fellow new hires. We all stood. The other four smiled. I smiled too, but felt cautious."Gentlemen, it is time to begin. Today we begin your internship process and I'd;” Tessa got out before Fung interrupted."I was given the impression we were guaranteed employment, Ms. Carmichael," he spoke in a commanding voice. How stupid was this guy?"Academia is a sheltered environment, Mr. Fung. Havenstone is very much part of the real, visceral world and you can hardly expect to gain a six-figure salary with all the benefits based on your ability to impress men who have never created an iota of wealth in their lives," Tessa smiled. I hoped she eventually give it back to the orca she'd swiped it from."I was entertaining offers from several other corporations as well," Trent added his voice. "We were guaranteed employment. Our contracts state so." He seemed proud of his ability to read. Trent should have boned up on reading between the lines."Well, if you two wish to sign 'Termination of Employment' papers," Tessa sounded disappointed, "we will conceded to your wishes."At this point, the guys with a promising futures should have bailed. I didn't have options unless you considered 'do you want fries with that' to be a back-up plan. I was amazed the other four didn't see it."What we really want is a clarification of what this internship process entails," Khalid intervened.Tessa's smile became all happy bunnies again."Very well," she appeared pleased, "let's start by introducing your mentors. Mr. Fung, Ms. Julian Jameson has chosen you. She is our Senior VP in charge of Acquisitions, something you excelled in, I recall." Fung looked pleased. Julian was a foxy red-head somewhere in her mid-thirties."Mr. Grant, you have been selected by Olympia Shore, head of our Financial Investigative unit." Greying hair yet she looked like she ran marathoners down on a regular basis; she was tall, fit and svelte. "I understand you showed a talent for forensic accounting," Tessa continued. "Mr. Adzharia, you have been chosen by Ms. Phalli Chandra VP of International Finance."Where Khalid was patently African-American, his mentor was African, most likely central African, like Congo, or Cameroon. She was in her early thirties and sculpted in a way that made me think I wouldn't mind wrestling her even though I wasn't sure who would win. "You have an excellent grasp of linguistics as I recall.""Mr. Melena, Ms. Tia Pharos VP of Business Management has chosen to take you on." My bet she was Lebanese, or Palestinian, more Sematic than Aramaic. Still, her hair was thick, wavy and long, all the women seemed to go for the 'long hair' look for that matter. She was also the shortest mentor, perhaps one meter; seventy."You have all around high marks in your education. We think you will be a perfect fit." He smiled as did Tia. I thought they were smiling for different reasons. Maybe that was paranoia. "Mr. Nyilas," that was me; Cáel Nyilas, "you have been selected by Ms. Katrina Love, VP of Executive Services."I could hear the 'huffs' of my compatriots. Executive Services were basically gophers for the top tier of the corporation. ES was not the fast track to success. They got the limos and laundry for those who were. On the plus side, Katrina was a voluptuous blonde perhaps forty years of age, hitting all my key sexual triggers; basically, a conscious, breathing female. I didn't have low standards, I was a sexual omnivore.Given the chance I'd seduce every woman I came across, though not here, not today.After a short series of introductions, we split up to go to our various offices. It turned out that the mentor/internship relationship meant I would be working at her side, literally. I'd have a spot in her personal office for my work station, I would follow her to meetings and be on call 24/7 to assist her in all departmental duties."Thank you for the opportunity," I said when she finally gave me the impression I could speak."Aren't you disappointed you didn't get one of the plumb assignments; banking, or asset management?" she inquired while studying me. The gentle hum of the elevator was the only other sound."Hell, no," I blurted out then blushed. Katrina arched an eyebrow. "I mean, I think this is a great way to know the company. We get to go everywhere.""I like your enthusiasm," she commented. I couldn't tell if it was a positive thing. Beyond that, she remained non-communicative until we made it to her ornate, spacious personal office.Six young ladies followed us into the room, with the last one shutting the door."Ladies, this is our latest hire; Cáel Nyilas," Katrina began. "He's from some college in New Hampshire and, like the rest of you new hires, will be expected be working closely with me and each other."Did I mention they were all hot? I was familiar with some of the looks I was getting, too. Once, in high school, I had asked out the Class president who happened to be rich, pretty and smart. Her boyfriend had cheated on her so I thought I had a chance. I was a working class nobody and the look she gave me hurt as much as her words."Never in a million years," she mocked loudly. I was an insect, a bug and way beneath her notice. That was the look I was getting from these girls. Four years later, my acne was gone, I'd filled out nicely and physically I had gone from caterpillar to butterfly. That led to the other half of the vibes aimed my way. It was 'he's delicious' as one of my girlfriends put it."Daphne Pile, Dora Cartagena, Fabiola Dobrani, Paula Wadena, Violet Maza, and Theresa 'Tigger' Castro," Katrina made rapid-fire introductions. "Now that we all know each other, time to start filling all the orders in our cue. Until Cáel figures out what is where, who wants to ride herd on him?" I had mistakenly believed I would be working with Katrina.No one leapt at the opportunity."I'll do it," Fabiola Dobrani spoke up. She tried to sound upbeat for Katrina. They filed out of the office, each woman heading off in different directions, while I went to my tiny desk."What are you doing?" Fabiola sounded annoyed."I need something from my desk and to go to the bathroom," I informed her. She sighed in exasperation. I quickly retrieved a handful of rubber bands then raced to Fabiola. She pointed me at the closest bathroom; which was Katrina's personal one. In I went then I locked the door. My pants and underwear came off. I expediently made a rubber band chain then looped it around my hips and pinned my hard-on pointed up.That had become a serious problem when dealing with all these attractive women and I didn't need the distraction. Once dressed, I quick-stepped it to Fabiola who was tapping her foot."Let's go," she snapped. "We are working with Buffy today. We go with her and do what she tells us to do. Got it?""Buffy is in charge, I have a basic command of the English language," I replied. Fabiola shot me an evil look. "What? Do I look like a five year old, or are you normally this rude?""I'm not being rude to you," the women with a Mediterranean cast to her features reposed. "You've put us behind the other ladies. In case you haven't figured it out, that's a bad thing on our first day.""Am I to believe this is your first day?" I smirked. We stopped by another woman's desk. Did I mention that this corporation must raid beauty pageants for their staff? Buffy was a medium height brunette with long hair and a perfectly shaped oval face. Her eyes were the lightest shade of brown I'd ever seen, almost golden."I'm Buffy Dubois," she stood and extended her hand. I had a neural misfire. I took her offered hand, leaned down and kissed it. Whoops."Cáel Nyilas, Ms. Dubois," I gulped. Buffy weighed my gesture."Nice name," she grinned. "Call me Buffy. We go on a first name basis here.""Our first assignment for the day is to go to 1802 Exeter Tower and prepare the suite for the CFO at our San Francisco office coming in for one week," she informed us. I had no idea where Exeter Tower was and what any of this had to do with my Business degree. I accepted that a fat paycheck was a fat paycheck, so I put my confusion on the back burner.There was an amusing bit of posturing about who got to drive the company car down to the Exeter. Fabiola made a production of taking the keys and making me sit in the back, Buffy didn't want to drive."You aren't much of a man's man, are you?" Fabiola mocked me.I waited a second for Buffy to say something, considering that bordered on harassment. Fabiola snickered at me while Buffy looked out the window, bored."Was that supposed to mean something to me?" I replied smoothly. "I don't know you, you obviously don't know me, and your assessment of my gender potential is ridiculous.""Come on, 'New Hire', you didn't even go to a real school," Fabiola spat back."That's enough," Buffy coughed. Fabiola shot me a dirty look. I elected to not be childish, looking out the window instead. Driving the car turned out to be more of a disadvantage than the gem Fab thought it would be. Fabiola had to park the car while Buffy and I went up.The Exeter suite turned out to be a fully furnished apartment. The trick was turning the normal accoutrements into the specifics the client demanded. I didn't have experience with interior design. I couldn't say I was demeaned, being reduced to a glorified furniture mover. If Buffy was impressed by my ability to move chairs about, she hid it well.She even left me to my own devices while she went to the bedroom. I double checked the image she'd downloaded to the cellphone to make sure everything was where they wanted."Cáel, I need you back here," Buffy called out. Back I went, it wasn't like I had a choice. "We need to make sure the Feng Shui of the room is impeccable," she ordered."Yes, Ma'am; Buffy," I nodded. "Now let's assume for a second I don't have the faintest idea what you are talking about and go from there.""For now," she chuckled, "it means moving the bed where I tell you to." As I moved to the far side of the king-sized bed, contemplating the crushing weight of my student loans, I noticed Buffy had made a wardrobe adjustment.That was a kind way to say she had unbuttoned her blouse to her naval and her pale pink, lacy half-bra was clearly visible. I also saw the incisor of some predator hung from a silver chain around her neck. As she leaned forward, it swayed, playing ping pong between her boobs. I was carefully attentive to her instructions and even managed to ask a few questions like 'what is Feng Shui?'"It is the art of focusing energy upon positive and negative lines so that you promote, or disrupt, the harmony of an area and its occupants," she informed me. She back-flopped down on the bed in one of the least obfuscated suggestions of 'come get me' I'd ever seen. I stayed well away, sensing a trap."It's jaguar," Buffy tilted her head back and leered at me. Her shirt was wide open, her bountiful mounds jiggling slightly and her eyes were inviting. She was referring to the tooth pendant that was nestled between her breasts. I backed up toward the window."I'm sure there is a story behind that," I tried to wiggle some more breathing room from my collar."There is," she rolled over, her goodies still on display. "I shot it with my bow, skinned it and pulled the tooth from its skull." How sweet and informative."I'm glad I'm across the room then," I grinned back. "I'd hate for there to be a misunderstanding between you and I." Now she placed herself on all fours and stalked across the bed toward me."I don't think you are very interested in me," she pouted. Now I was mentally mapping out the time and distance involved in me getting past her and exiting this career-killer."You are my boss," I exclaimed as I started edging around the room. "I imagine you are very interesting, but I'm not the kind of guy who makes advances on every beautiful woman he meets." That was a total lie. I had the bad habit of making advances on ABSOLUTELY every beautiful woman I met."Where is everybody?" Fabiola announced after she waltzed into the room. Forget an Oscar, she wouldn't even get a Razzie from me for that patently false performance. Buffy huffed, rolled her eyes and shifted to the edge of the bed. She fixed her blouse properly then shot a witherin

The Burren Annual Exhibition for 2024 is underway. This year's exhibition features Scottish artist, Keith McIntyre, who explores coastal geological phenomena through mural scale drawing, print, performance and film. Mullach Mòr, translated from Irish Gaelic means ‘the big rock', will run until the 23rd of October. To talk more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Keith McIntyre. Photo (c): https://visualartists.ie/events/mullach-mor-burren-annual-exhibition-2024-keith-mcintyre-at-burren-college-of-art/

Andrea and Celia welcome Fellow NJ Wedding Officiant Rev Phil Passantino of Amazing Ceremonies!   Phil officiates your wedding with just the right touch of humor, seriousness and spirituality. Your parents will love it, your grandparents will love it, but most of all you will love it Phil can also officiate in Spanish, Portuguese, German,Irish Gaelic. He is also an accomplished musician and offers optional guitar or accordion playing. Join the conversation. We love your questions, comments, and requests! We also love guests! Past brides, grooms, vendors, and venues contact us! We offer host read advertisement as well. Contact us for more information!   Email us at ⁠andrea@thisjoyous.com ⁠ Contact us through social media: Facebook, Instagram or website all are titled: New Jersey Wedding Podcast Listen for free wherever you get your Podcasts. LINK TO ALL EPISODES IN BIO  @NewJerseyweddingpodcast   Links to this week's vendors: Our intro music is by @jonathanrusso_guitarist Andrea Purtell www.forthisjoyousoccasion.com https://www.instagram.com/weddingofficiant @weddingofficiant Celia Milton: www.njvowsnow.com https://www.instagram.com/njvowsnow ⁠ @njvowsnow⁠   Rev Phil https://www.amazingceremonies.com @amazingceremonies --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrea-purtell/message

Isi and Mitch recount their trip up north to The Peak District National Park. They talk about the friendliness of the people, precarious drone flying, mountains, caves and ginger shots. Easy English member James leaves us a belated Halloween tale of terror and we answer YOUR questions in our Unhelpful Advice section. Interactive Transcript Support Easy English and get interactive transcripts and bonus content for all our episodes: easyenglish.fm/membership Show Notes The Peak District video: UK Travel VLOG (https://youtu.be/ADxTBfGq_r8) (Easy English 170) Transcript Intro Mitch: [0:23] Good morning, Isi! Isi: [0:25] Good morning! So here we are. Mitch: [0:27] We're back. Isi: [0:28] A bit tired. Mitch: [0:30] What did you pick up, from our trip from the north? Have you brought anything back? Isi: [0:35] It rains a lot. Mitch: [0:36] No, I meant have you brought back any characteristics or personality traits from the north? Isi: [0:43] They're very friendly. Mitch: [0:44] And you've adopted that now? You've become more friendly yourself? Isi: [0:47] I hope I was already. They call you love even more than down here. Mitch: [0:53] Tell me the times you were called love and who called you love. Isi: [0:57] How many times I was called love? I don't know, not so many times. Mitch: [1:01] Supermarket? Isi: [1:01] Yeah, mostly in supermarkets, little stores, little pubs, and from different people, all older than me, but not much older, some. But in a very loving, caring way, not in a weird way. Mitch: [1:17] So for people who don't know what's happened. We recently made a week-long trip, which ended up in us visiting the Peak District, which is an area, between Manchester and Sheffield. And it's a national park. If you're interested in seeing what the Peak District looks like, it's a really beautiful area, it's crazy dramatic; rocks and cliffs and fields and heaths and caves. We didn't go in any caves but we made a road trip video getting there and driving around some of like the best things to see in the Peak District. We didn't cover it all, but if you wanted to see a video where you can join someone on a road trip, getting there and speaking absolute nonsense for a while. But there's also some really beautiful things that you captured on your phone. Isi: [2:09] Yeah, I think it was like, well, first, I think the best thing about this is the drone footage. If you enjoy big pictures of great nature, then that's for you. But also, we did observe and comment on everything, I guess. And that, yeah, it's like you're with us in the car, basically, seeing the difference between the South and the North. Or, as someone wrote in our comments, it's not the North yet. Mitch: [2:38] But we were in Derbyshire, and Derbyshire is a Midlands county, but the peaks are so big, they span across into... Isi: [2:46] We were directly next to Manchester. So I would say we were in the North. Mitch: [2:51] Yeah, we're not going to be too specific about it. We are coming from Brighton, which is the absolute South. Isi: [2:59] Yeah, more South, you fall in the sea. Mitch: [3:03] We definitely... going back to the whole lovely people thing, we definitely witnessed some Northern character traits, right? Isi: [3:13] Yeah, the general thing was really just that people just approached me and I didn't even have a talk with them. That was really nice. So there was a lady that just basically just said hello to me, just because we met at the bananas and then the fruit section. And she was like smiling at me, like she knew me. So it was a bit like, I was like, that's nice. So I said, hello. We said, hello. But that was it. Mitch: [3:40] Wow. She'd have hated me if she saw the banana choice I would have gone for, they're so green! What are you doing? Isi: [3:47] Yeah. It was really nice. I asked someone for, like someone working there for something and they were so determined to help me. It was really nice. Are people in the North friendlier and then in the South? I think down here in Brighton, but Brighton might be a little bubble itself. People are super friendly, but that person was really determined to help me. I think she was really happy that I approached her actually. I asked actually, for ginger shots, because at home we, every day, prepare turmeric ginger shots for ourselves, for health, which it's not alcohol. It's a shot of a lot of healthy things. And because we couldn't do that on tour, I asked, because in supermarkets sometimes they sell those super overpriced, little shots. But as I was getting ill, I was like, we need those. I think for a long time while she was discussing it with me where to find it, she thought it's alcohol. I think she presumed, because I asked for it that it's something really cool that you have to have. Like everybody knows it, because I so normally ask for it. And so she was like, yeah, yeah, ginger shots. Mm, where could we have them? Yeah, and then she was like, oh, you know what? I don't think we have them. And then, wait, she then said, do you mean? She said a random alcohol, like completely something weird, like rum or so. I mean, ginger, rum works. And then I was like, oh no, it's not alcohol. She was like, oh, you said shot. That was really nice. So nice encounters, yeah. Mitch: [5:21] Oh, cute. Isi: [5:22] She heard my German accent and was like, of course they want their schnapps, their shots. Mitch: [5:27] Oh, yeah. The German is here. I was trying to think if I had an encounter, but... Isi: [5:32] You didn't talk to people, did you? Mitch: [5:34] I didn't, I avoided people, there was actually one time when we bumped into this woman and we basically just asked her where the dog park is. And she... she did that thing that people do who forget that Google Maps exists, so was like; right what you do, right, is you go straight up this road and you look for the left, you come to a roundabout There's five exits, take the third one, third exit past the church on your right and when you come to an old dustbin, make sure you go before the dustbin, not after. Isi: [6:01] She even, already told us everything we could see which would be the wrong way. It's like, you cannot even remember that. If you see the field with the five horses... she actually said something, this is no joke, on the right, then you did, you did take the wrong turn and then it's wrong. (If you see an old willow tree, you're f**ked.) Then she said... she asked, if we are from there, is that a compliment? Mitch: [6:26] Are you local? Isi: [6:27] Why would we then ask? Anyway, then she asked how long we stay. It's a lot of questions. And we had it also another time, we asked for, one morning, no coffee was open in that village. And she was like, yeah, Monday, Tuesday, everything is closed. And we're like, okay. But then she told us about all the cafes in the villages nearby. So, long talk about that as well. But it's actually, is that an English thing though? You had a very funny call at the weekend, trying to get our internet back. And the person on the phone, you were just telling your problem and she was searching for something and she was like; so any plans for the weekend? And you were so confused, I heard you from the other room. And you were like, what do you mean, you want to know my plans for the weekend? And she was like, yes. And you were like, fixing my internet. Very German, by the way. Mitch: [7:21] That's never happened before. She was, as I was trying to again fix the internet, while she's sort of waiting to find a result, yeah, she was like, so what are you up to this weekend, any nice plans? I was like, what?! I didn't know you, who are you?! Fixing my internet, it was quite a dry response. And then what was your favourite thing you saw from the Peak District? What was the best sight? What was your favourite thing that we did? Isi: [7:49] Snake Pass, for sure. Mitch: [7:51] Yeah. Isi: [7:52] Yeah. Although Winnat's Pass is also really impressive, but it's such a small area. Snake Pass, being up there, on that road, that takes quite some time. And it's just, I love those... I love nature that is a bit like a moon area. There's like no tree, no bushes, no nothing, just like vast land. It was high. Mitch: [8:15] Yeah, your ears are popping and the clouds are... Isi: [8:17] You're basically in the clouds. We had bad weather when we were filming up there, but it was in the end, I think, really good, because it was so atmospheric, so melancholic, really, really nice. For the drone, I mean, it wasn't easy to operate the drone, I guess? Because it was, I mean, you did it, but it was really, really windy and rain, but the pictures are gorgeous. Mitch: [8:39] Yeah, the drone was... I kept getting a message saying the wind is too high, and you could see the drone was struggling to... Isi: [8:49] Don't worry, there was no one, so it's not... Mitch: [8:52] Yeah, no sheep were harmed in the filming. Isi: [8:54] No, but it was not in that sense and we didn't go over streets or so, so in that sense it was not dangerous for anyone, it was just dangerous for our drone, to not come back, ever. Mitch: [9:05] You have to remember before you fly the drone you can set a 'home point' and I always forget to do it I would say automatically assigns one. (Oh god.) And so, every so often I'd lose connection to the drone, 'cos it was so windy and then the drone automatically goes to a homing point And a lot of the one of them was in the lake. (No.) yeah, that's when I started running away. I didn't want to say Isi: [9:31] Can I drone swim? (Can our drone swim?) Yeah. (It can only do breaststroke.) Can it get a little like swimming... Mitch: [9:38] Imagine, little flippers. Isi: [9:41] Flippers. Like, oh, now I'm swimming. Mitch: [9:43] That'd be cool actually, if it'd go underwater. Isi: [9:45] What was your favourite? Mitch: [9:47] To be honest, mine is a bit of a cheat, but kind of not, because I actually like Winnat's Pass. Winnat's Pass is this... you have to watch the video, which we'll tag in the description to this podcast. A pass is like, a way through a mountain, that people have sort of carved out, or it's a natural development where a river maybe was once running through it, and now they've run a road through this incredibly, cascading, mountainous area, and there's like, bare rocks that I think are just constantly falling, at points. And, this is beautiful, but then the amazing thing is, at one point in history, they built up a town called Castleton, Castle Town, I guess it used to be called. That's a really beautiful area and it sits at the base of Winnat's Pass. In that one area there's loads to see like there's Winnat's Pass in the background you can drive up but then in Castleton there's like loads of old little pubs, we've been there once before and then also, near that there's a couple of caves you can go into. One of which I know is called the Devil's Arse, which I went in once and it's really cool. Also, right... just next to the Devil's Arse there's one called Speedwell Cavern, where you can actually get in a boat, in this old mining cave and you get taken along in this little boat and you have to wear a helmet, because you'll keep banging your head on the ceiling. Isi: [11:14] That sounds amazing. Mitch: [11:16] Yeah, it's not for the faint of hearted. You might need a Scottish whiskey before you attempt it. But yeah, definitely watch the video because, it's a bit of a different format that we're used to and that you're probably used to if you're an Easy English peep. Isi: [11:31] We really enjoyed filming it. Mitch: [11:33] Yeah. Isi: [11:33] We're very happy about it and we would love to know what you think about it. Mitch: [11:37] Yeah, there's something quite... if you're into it, please let us know in any comments you can leave, or give this podcast a review, to let us know that you like those kind of videos, because we'd like to make more of them because it's nice to kind of do a bit of... you know, we know you guys are coming to learn some English, but also you probably want to see some cultural things and that was I hope a good mixture of us chit -chatting in the car and then, you know, showing the sights of an amazing part of England. If you're looking to improve your English, then why don't you improve your English with us? If you're a podcast listener, you can get some extra bits for the podcast by becoming an Easy English member at easyenglish.video/membership. We offer a thing called the Interactive Transcript which is a clever bit of technology that we have, which allows you to listen like you are now to the podcast, but also, have in your hand, on your phone, on your laptop, a running live-time transcript of this podcast, which you're able to selectively choose a language of your choice, that you'd like to be translated into, the podcast will then track along, with every word we say in English and translate it into your common language. Another benefit of becoming an Easy English Podcast Member is you'll be able to get your hands on the Aftershow which is where the podcast for the public ends, the podcast for our members begins and you'll get to hear some Easy English insights, some gossip, latest news and some updates on what myself and Isi will be getting up to with Easy English in the future. If you want to become an Easy English member then go to easyenglish.video/membership and become either a podcast member or check out some of our other perks you can get your hands on. Back to the episode! Unhelpful Advice Isi: [13:36] Now we actually have to go back a bit to Halloween, I think, because we got a message. Mitch: [13:42] We asked you on the last podcast if you have any tales of terror. Isi: [13:49] Scary stories. Mitch: [13:50] One of our members of Easy English; James, has left us an audio message. If you also want to leave us an audio message, we do a section called Unhelpful Advice, where people can just ask us a random question. I always say it, do you want us to name your pet? Do you have any DIY problems? Are you looking to move to England? Are you struggling with as part of the English language? Is there something in the podcast you're hearing which you'd like us to explain? Then you can just drop us a message by going to easyenglish.fm, and you can leave us a voice message there. Ask us anything, and we will be as unhelpful as possible. So anyway, here is an audio message from James; "Hey guys, I have a very scary true story for you. I don't know if you're already familiar with it, but it's about Elisa Lam, who was this Canadian-Chinese tourist who went missing back in 2013 in Los Angeles. She was in the Cecil Hotel, a hotel that was well known for very spooky going on, spooky goings-on and I believe Ricardo Ramirez, the night staff, is still there. But yeah, she went missing there. Nine days later, her body turned up, which is where things get really weird. There's CCTV footage you can watch of her in the lift, freaking out, gesticulating wildly at this unknown thing, unseen thing, because of the way camera is positioned, so she's really freaking out and you don't know what she's freaking out is, but she's getting very distressed, panicking loads. And like, nine days later and I think yeah I think that's the last time anybody ever saw her and nine days later, the residents of the hotel kept complaining that the water, was black and it tasted bad and the water pressure was funny. And, when they went to investigate, they found Elisa Lam's naked body in the water cooler, at the top of the hotel. She had drowned." Isi: [16:00] Ugh. Mitch: [16:02] Can we play that message? Isi: [16:04] Oh god, that's horrible. Mitch: [16:05] Is that real? Isi: [16:06] I hope no kids are listening to this. Mitch: [16:08] Jesus. Isi: [16:10] Oh wait, there was no one ever found, so she was just panicking, is that right what I understood there? She was panicking in the lift. Mitch: [16:16] In the lift. Should we watch the CCTV footage? Isi: [16:19] No. Mitch: [16:20] No? Isi: [16:21] No. Mitch: [16:21] Can I watch it? Should I describe what's going on? Isi: [16:25] Do you see it now? Mitch: [16:26] Oh, it's already creepy. It's grainy footage. She's pressing all the - she literally pressed all the buttons in the lift. Is this real? The lift isn't moving. She's now getting out of the lift.Oh, she's like looking at someone like - oh wow. She like, quickly jolted forward and looked left and right. Now she's hiding behind the door of the lift, like someone's coming. The lift door still hasn't closed because she's pressed all the buttons. Oh this is creepy. She keeps on sort of going backwards and forwards in and out of the lift door. She's sort of like strafed out of sight of the lift. Now she's going back in again. She's pressing all the buttons again. Now she's leaving and she's like stroking something, in the air and doing like, hand gestures. (Okay.) And that's it. Isi: [17:21] I guess it's a crime scene and not a Halloween story. Maybe she saw a murder happening in the hallway. Mitch: [17:30] Oh, maybe. Isi: [17:30] And she wanted to get back into it, and then she was killed because she saw it. That's my interpretation of the whole thing. Mitch: [17:38] Ever since Netflix started making these crime documentaries, all these things creep the hell out of me. People are a little bit too used to seeing these weird things. Isi: [17:47] This is my... I don't know how we edit this later, but this is my... this is my thing. If we, if we don't put your story in James, and I say it now, this was too much for the podcast. Thank you for the story, but we can't play this. We don't want to scare people, completely. Your piano story was definitely milder. Okay. Thank you, James, for sharing. So we asked on Instagram in the story for podcast questions and we got some and one would like us to answer today. Mitch: [18:18] We have one from someone called David, and David wanted to know; what do Brits know of neighbour languages, Welsh, Gaelic, Cornish, etc? Isi: [18:32] That's for you to answer. Mitch: [18:34] It's a simple answer. We know nothing about them. Isi: [18:40] That's not true. Well, I think it... I mean, I would say it depends on if you live in that region, right? Mitch: [18:47] Yeah, I mean, obviously Welsh people are British, Cornish people are also British, Gaelic; yeah, here and there. Isi: [18:59] Where's Gaelic? There's different Gaelic's, right? Mitch: [19:03] If you type in Gaelic, here we go, is Gaelic Scottish or Irish? The term Gaelic as a language applies only to the language of Scotland. Isi: [19:12] Oh, okay. Really? Mitch: [19:14] If you're not in Ireland, it's permissible to refer to the language as Irish Gaelic, to differentiate it from Scottish Gaelic. Isi: [19:23] So you can call it Irish Gaelic? Mitch: [19:25] Depending on where you are, I think. If you're in Scotland, you'd call it Irish Gaelic. If you're in Ireland, you'd call it Scottish Gaelic. Isi: [19:31] I once started learning Irish Gaelic. Mitch: [19:33] Okay, that's what I'm aware of more than Scottish Gaelic, I think. Isi: [19:38] And, what is Welsh then? Mitch: [19:40] Welsh is just craziness. It's just... Isi: [19:42] No, is it Gaelic though as well? No, then? Mitch: [19:45] Welsh is just consonants and no vowels. Do you want me to tell you how to say good morning in Scottish Gaelic? Isi: [19:51] Yes, please. Mitch: [19:53] Madyn maith. Madyn maith. Isi: [19:58] Sounds good, doesn't it? Mitch: [20:00] It does. Hello is hello in Welsh. Isi: [20:07] Is it in Wales as well? I haven't been to Wales. Are there street signs in Welsh? Probably. Mitch: [20:12] Yeah, yeah, in Wales also they do English and Welsh. Here's a nice one in Welsh. Yaki da. Isi: [20:18] What does that mean? Mitch: [20:20] It's like saying cheers. Yaki da. I'm sure if you go on YouTube you'll find ways to hear all these different dialects and languages, but luckily for you, Easy Languages has such an expansive network, that we even have an Easy Welsh team (We have Easy Welsh.) who don't produce very frequently, but it's definitely worth checking out their content. So give them a search. Isi: [20:42] If you are listening and you know Scottish Gaelic or Irish Gaelic, that would be really, really nice, that we could talk to you. Maybe we have you as a guest on the podcast, if you have some recording equipment, just write to us. We want to know. Mitch: [20:58] That's a great idea. Isi: [20:59] At podcast@easyenglish.video. Mitch: [21:01] Fantastic. Isi: [21:01] Please send us an email and that would be really, really cool to talk to you. Maybe even if we are around at one point, make a video. I think that's it for today. Thanks for the question. Very interesting. Mitch: [21:12] Yeah, check out the video from the Peak District and let us know what you think. And other than that, we'll see you in a couple of weeks. (Te-ra.) Te-ra. Support Easy English and get interactive transcripts and bonus content for all our episodes: easyenglish.fm/membership

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: October 26, 2018“Samhain” (pronounced "sow-in," with the "ow" like in "cow," or “sow-een,” with “ow” as in “glow”) is an Irish Gaelic term for the time of "summer's end,” as well as a festival to mark the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter which, in the Gaelic / Celtic calendar, marked the beginning of the year. Because the Celtic day began and ended at sunset, not sunrise, the festival was traditionally celebrated from October 31 to November 1. Sanhaim is the ancient backdrop to Halloween, not only in terms of the calendar, but also in terms of basically all the modern elements of that holiday. This episode investigates the history of Samhain and its curious links to the ancient biblical worldview of demons, giants, and the realm of the dead.Articles for this episode:In public domain, via archive.org, from Hastings' Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics (ed. James Hastings, John A. Selbie, and Louis H. Gray; Edinburgh; New York: T. & T. Clark; Charles Scribner's Sons, 1908–1926):“(Celtic) Cosmogony”“Celtic Feasts and Festivals”“Irish Deities”Journal articles not in public domain:Helen Sewell Johnson, “November Eve Beliefs and Customs in Irish Life and Literature,” The Journal of American Folklore 81:320 (Apr. – Jun., 1968), pp. 133-142Jack Santino, “Halloween in America: Contemporary Customs and Performances,” Western Folklore 42:1 (Jan., 1983), pp. 1-20rThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4656375/advertisement

Studies show that transgender and nonbinary people are three to six times more likely to have autism than their cisgender peers. Researchers are still trying to better understand the connection. This week In the Den, Jen visits with occupational therapist Dr. Anne Kirby and Frank Vales, a trans and autistic student, about the intersection of the autism spectrum and gender diversity. Special Guest: Dr. Anne KirbyAnne V. Kirby, PhD, OTR/L, is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies at the University of Utah, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Psychiatry. She received her BS and MS degrees from the University of New Hampshire, and then practiced as an occupational therapist in multiple settings in Washington, DC. She received her PhD in Occupational Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015, before becoming a faculty member at the University of Utah. Her research expertise is in sensory processing, the transition to adulthood, and suicide risk and prevention for the autistic community. She is currently leading a K23 award from NIMH using community based participatory research for suicide prevention, in partnership with the Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE). She serves as a Consultant on the University of Pittsburgh ACE grant.Special Guest: Frank ValesFrank Vales (he/him) is a 20-year-old student and artist born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is studying communication and writing with plans to go into the field of applied linguistics. He is autistic, disabled, and Queer, and is passionate about advocacy and community engagement. He has extensive public speaking experience on the topics of LGBTQ+ youth, mental health, autism acceptance, and suicide prevention. He is particularly interested in the intersection of Queer, neurodivergent, and disabled experiences and identities. In his spare time, he enjoys taking care of his unusual pets, including snakes and exotic cockroaches, and studying Irish Gaelic.  Links from the show: https://aaspire.org/projects/mental-health/suicidality/https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/lgbt.2018.0252https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7415151/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30140984/https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17794-1https://faculty.utah.edu/u6002168-ANNE_V._KIRBY/research/index.hmhttps://www.spectrumnews.org/news/largest-study-to-date-confirms-overlap-between-autism-and-gender-diversity/Join Mama Dragons today at: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors likeConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

When Absalom launched his lethal attack against his father, and drove King David into the wilderness, we can imagine the pain in David's father heart. In this piece we have imagined David longing for his son in such a way that we can make it the basis for our own cries to God on behalf of those we love and are concerned for, but who are currently not walking with the Lord Jesus. The stunning first piece of music is by Francis Cummings and is called Síocháin: which evokes a calm and gentle peace in Irish Gaelic. As the name indicates, the music is in the Celtic tradition. This is followed by a lovely piece for piano by Justin Coldstream that we have called 'Inheritance.' It looks forward to our children and loved ones reaching out to receive the new birth that the Lord is offering them: 'a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, and which is kept in Heaven for you, who, through faith, are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.' (1 Pet. 1:3-5)

Ever wondered what your name would sound like in Gaelic (Gaeilge)? Or would you like to translate your name to Gaelic, so that you can then write it out (transliterate) in Ogham? ORIGINAL BLOG - https://www.ogham.academy/blog/name-in-gaelic✨OGHAM - Quick & Easy Reference Guide- Free PDF Download - https://www.ogham.academy/guide✨ FREE Irish Pagan Resources Checklist available NOW - https://irishpagan.school/checklist/✨ FREE Online Classes - https://irishpaganschool.com/courses/category/free(This audio originally appeared as a video on the Ogham Academy YouTube channel, all Pagan focused content on YouTube is now available directly on the Irish Pagan School channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIrishPaganSchool)At the Irish Pagan School we offer Online Classes on Irish Paganism, Mythology, History, Heritage, Culture, Magic and Spirituality, taught by native Irish Educators, based in County Waterford, Ireland.

Dance with the Spanish ladies and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #624. Chris Gray, Fast & Vengefully, Altan, Hanneke Cassel, Beltaine, Gordon McLeod, Erin Ruth, Angus MacKenzie, Madman's Window, Ryan Roubison, Low Lily, The High Kings, Moher, Mick Citern Walsh, Fiddle Folk Family, Patsy O'Brien, Willos' & Massimo Giuntini GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Subscribe and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2023 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2023 episode.  Vote Now! Two weeks after the episode is launched, I compile your votes to update a playlist on Spotify and YouTube. These are the results of your voting. You can help these artists out by following the playlists and adding tracks you love to your playlists. Follow us on Facebook to find out who is added each week. Listen on Spotify and YouTube. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:02 - Intro: Emily Ward at Dillons Bars & Restaurant, Ireland 0:11 - Chris Gray "Huntsman's Chorus" from Fuist! 5:07 - WELCOME 6:22 - Fast & Vengefully "The Lonesome Pirate" from Rozzie Me Bow 9:49 - Altan "The Jug of Punch" from Island Angel 13:15 - Hanneke Cassel "Blue" from Some Melodious Sonnet 16:53 - Beltaine "Spanish Ladies" from Mercy 21:04 - FEEDBACK 24:49 - Gordon McLeod "Lord Gordon's" from Still Fiddlin' 27:54 - Erin Ruth "Spancil Hill" from live performance 31:46 - Angus MacKenzie "Happy Jigs" from The Piper and the Maker II ~ Celebrating C 35:57 - Madman's Window "The Black Velvet Band" from All Guns Blazing - Live! 40:17 - Ryan Roubison "Blind Mary" from Songs from the Willow Glen 43:05 - Low Lily "All Roads Lead to You" from Low Lily (EP) 46:24 - THANKS 48:32 - The High Kings "Men Of Aran" from The Road Not Taken 51:13 - Moher "The Eye Of The fox (reels)  The Noisy Curlew  -  Into Your Eyes  -  The Fox On The Town" from Phoenix 55:24 - Mick Citern Walsh "A Busker's Lullaby" from A Busker's Lullaby 1:00:27 - Fiddle Folk Family "Scotland the brave" from Ungeschieden, ungekämmt, ungehört 1:01:57 - Patsy O'Brien "Man On The Moor" from Onward 1:05:19 - CLOSING 1:06:25 - Willos' & Massimo Giuntini "P Stands for Paddy" from From Now On 1:10:08 - CREDITS The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to subscribe to the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Finally, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME CELTOPHILE TO CELTIC MUSIC * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a musician and podcaster out of Atlanta, Georgia. This Podcast is here to build our diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Do you have the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast app? It's 100% free. You can listen to hundreds of episodes of the podcast. Download it now. Hey Celtic Bands, I'm looking for new music and stories in 2023. To submit your band, just complete the permission form at 4celts.com. You'll also find information on how to submit a story behind one of your songs or tunes. Get a free Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music eBook. email gift@bestcelticmusic THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! Because of Your kind and generous support, this show comes out at least four times a month. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion and production of the show. It allows us to attract new listeners and to help our community grow. As a patron, you get music - only episodes before regular listeners, vote in the Celtic Top 20, and you get a private feed to listen to the show.  All that for as little as $1 per episode. A special thanks to our Celtic Legends: Bill Mandeville, Marti Meyers, Brenda, Meghan Walker, Karen, Emma Bartholomew, Dan mcDade, Bob Harford, Carol Baril, Miranda Nelson, Nancie Barnett, Kevin Long, Gary R Hook, Lynda MacNeil, Kelly Garrod, Annie Lorkowski HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST Go to our Patreon page. Decide how much you want to pledge every week, $1, $5, $25. Make sure to cap how much you want to spend per month. Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music. You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com. TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. In 2024, we're going on a Celtic Invasion of Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/ #celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? You can send a written comment along with a picture of what you're doing while listening. Email me at celticpodcast@gmail or message me on Facebook. My engineer Mitchell requests a picture of Maybelle listening to the podcast. Dave L. replied on Mastodon about Kyle Carey's Kickstarter: "I got to see Kyle in a house concert years ago. What a talented artist with a beautiful voice. I may have to get me one of these cards." David Van Horn replied to a picture and funny song request: "Marc: One of my most favorites funny songs from you is “Beer, Beer, Beer.” I neglected to take a photo of the brisket.  It was devoured quickly so no proof remains." Andrew Kruspe of Black Market Haggis replied: "Marc, Hello! First, I hope y'all are doing well, and that you had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day season. We did here, and we thought we would share some photos from a special event that we did at Lowe Mill in Huntsville. We had a “hands - on concert.” We played a 45 minute set, and then we passed out about 35 bodhráns and taught the audience how to play a reel. They then joined us for a tune! You can find photos here: https://www.facebook.com/100064734638890/posts/pfbid02PEteGt8yjyeavAz4BY57cW9dYBRFaA6ry139e9MsNDeVSC666aGmigBor1brm1pql/ Take care, thank you for your work, and have a wonderful week!" Maureen R replied: "St. Patrick's Day is a family day, starting with donuts, then Mass at St. Colman, one of the oldest churches in Cleveland, that for decades had supported a largely Irish immigrant neighborhood. This Mass is the start of the day for the West Side Irish American Club. The dignitaries and club marching units from pipes and drums to tiny pom pom "Bridgies" march into the church with all the regalia of the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Parts of Mass are read in Irish Gaelic, and familiar Irish songs and readings are shared. The lighting in the church is changed to green uplights and the hall is filled wall to wall with families in Irish sweaters and Irish pride. After Mass and the marching units parade out of the church, everyone heads to downtown Cleveland for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. and one of the only St. Patrick's Day parades that is always held ON the day. After the parade, families disperse to the many parties all around town. After marching in the parade, I will head off to entertain the crowds with my band, Ballinloch for the last performance of a two week non - stop Irish adventure."

Emily McEwan, the president of Bradan Press, gives us a look at what new books are coming this fall. The Dartmouth-based Gaelic publishing company will be printing their first books in Irish Gaelic — a children's book and a graphic novel.

Prepare for an extraordinary episode of The Jay Franze Show as we welcome the incomparable Billy Yates, a Nashville-based Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, to our studio! With an astounding career spanning decades, Billy has left an indelible mark on the country music industry, and we're diving deep into his fascinating journey.From penning timeless hits for country icons like George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Willie Nelson to co-writing George Jones classics like "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair," and the Grammy-winning "Choices," Billy Yates' songwriting prowess has shaped the heart of country music.Join us as we uncover Billy's adventures touring extensively across Europe, where he was crowned the European CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. With an incredible 13 number-1 singles on the European charts, Billy has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his soulful voice and authentic storytelling.We'll explore his remarkable experiences as one of the first American artists to perform in China's former capital city, Xian, and his groundbreaking appearance on the popular Irish TV documentary Opry an luir. Discover how Billy Yates broke boundaries as the first American artist to record in the traditional Irish Gaelic language, bridging cultures through the power of music.Not limited to his artistic talents, Billy is a skilled record producer, having worked with major European and Australian artists and producing the final record of country music legend Charley Pride, "Music in My Heart."As we delve into his illustrious career, we'll hear about the honors bestowed upon him, including having a stretch of federal highway named "Billy Yates Highway" in his hometown of Missouri, an acknowledgment of his deep-rooted connections to his community and the impact of his music.Tune in for a captivating episode filled with compelling stories, unforgettable performances, and a journey through the rich tapestry of country music history. Whether you're a long-time fan or just getting to know Billy Yates, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves the essence of country music's soul.Show InformationHost: Jay FranzeGuest: Billy YatesRecorded: July 31, 2023LinksJay Franze: https://JayFranze.comBilly Yates: https://billyyates.com Support the show

This week we welcome Billy Yates! Billy Yates is a Nashville based, Grammy-nominated, singer/songwriter whose songs have been recorded by artists such as George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, Sara Evans, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols,
John Michael Montgomery, Daryle Singletary, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Gene Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Doug Stone, Rhonda Vincent, Willie Nelson, Leonard Cohen, and more. Yates also co-wrote the George Jones classics, “I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair” and the Grammy-award winning, “Choices”. A seasoned entertainer, Billy Yates also tours Europe extensively where he was recently named the European CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. With 13 number 1 singles on the European charts. Here at home, Yates has been featured on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry 50 times and has also appeared on TV shows such as Larry's Country Diner and Country's Family Reunion. In addition, Billy holds the distinct honor of being one of the first American artists to perform in China's former Capitol city, Xian. He is also the first American artist to be featured on the popular Irish TV documentary, Opry an luir and is the first American artist to record in the traditional Irish Gaelic language. As a record producer, Yates has produced a number of major European and Australian artists, plus a few US artists including country music legend, Charley Pride's last record, "Music in My Heart". Yates was recently honored by his home state of Missouri as they named a stretch of federal highway that runs through his hometown the "Billy Yates Highway". For more information visit BillyYates.com.

This podcast tells the story of the old Gaelic families who survived centuries of conflict and wars waged by invaders. You will hear the voices of the descendants of some of those enduring families, people such as the late Conor O'Brien who died this month; Durcan O'Hara; Nicholas MacGillycuddy; Madam Felicity McDermott and Patience and Ann O'Conor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big changes for the King's Coronation. It's the first crowning of a British monarch in 70 years — since that of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. For the first time there'll be hymns in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic; female bishops participating and other religions involved. Exeter University History Professor Jeremy Black told Mike Hosking that the mood is very different since the last coronation, and the King has sensed that. He says in 1953 it was the coronation for the monarch of a major world empire, but now it's a more modest family of nations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles' Coronation will differ from the Queen's Coronation 70 years ago. For the first time, members of the public will be asked to pledge their allegiance to the new monarch. There'll be hymns in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic and leaders of different religions will be involved. The Times Royal Correspondent Valentine Low told Mike Hosking that the King's made an effort to modernise the event. She says there'll be a lot of tradition, but also plenty of ordinary people involved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we chat with a native Irish Gaelic Speaker - Eoin O'Connor from Ennis in County Clare. Eoin started a company called Bitesize Irish about 12 years ago and in this episode he shares more on his early childhood years in an Irish-speaking household, why he started a company to help people around the world learn and enjoy the Irish Gaelic language. We also chat about the importance of the Irish language and how it is used today.Also, lots of great Irish music along the way - all selected by Eoin and sung in the Irish language! Enjoy!Resources Mentioned in this Episode:You can find out more about Bitesize Irish here: https://www.bitesize.irish/Where to Start with your Irish Quiz: https://www.bitesize.irish/quiz/Bitesize Irish Newsletter - weekly new resources for Irish language learning: https://www.bitesize.irish/newsletter/Bitesize Irish Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BitesizeIrishMusic featured in this episode:- "Beidh aonach amárach" - performed by John Spillane.- "Go domhain i do chuimhne" - performed by Declan O'Rourke.- "Lig mé saor" - performed by TG Lurgan.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we chat with a native Irish Gaelic Speaker - Eoin O'Connor from Ennis in County Clare. Eoin started a company called Bitesize Irish about 12 years ago and in this episode he shares more on his early childhood years in an Irish-speaking household, why he started a company to help people around the world learn and enjoy the Irish Gaelic language. We also chat about the importance of the Irish language and how it is used today.Also, lots of great Irish music along the way - all selected by Eoin and sung in the Irish language! Enjoy!Resources Mentioned in this Episode:You can find out more about Bitesize Irish here: https://www.bitesize.irish/Where to Start with your Irish Quiz: https://www.bitesize.irish/quiz/Bitesize Irish Newsletter - weekly new resources for Irish language learning: https://www.bitesize.irish/newsletter/Bitesize Irish Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BitesizeIrishMusic featured in this episode:- "Beidh aonach amárach" - performed by John Spillane.- "Go domhain i do chuimhne" - performed by Declan O'Rourke.- "Lig mé saor" - performed by TG Lurgan.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

Cumar means confluence in Irish Gaelic, and Cumar is also the name of a Twin Cities group that combines African and Irish Music and Dance. The group performs at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis, 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday January 27 and 28. Phil Nusbaum talked to members of Cumar recently, including the artists guiding the project from its beginnings.

Cáel gets an offer that is too good to be true.By FinalStand. Listen and subscribe to the podcast at Steamy Stories.-People who forget their past are doomed to be blind-sided by it-(Monday)I couldn’t help but notice the similarity between myself and the other four new hires. We were all clean cut men, fresh out of college, fit and masculine. The ‘men’ part of the equation made sense. Havenstone Commercial Investments had come out of a long legal proceeding over their accused discriminatory policies.An undisclosed settlement had been reached plus they agreed to implement this new program to hire more men. For me that meant an employment opportunity with a Fortune 500 company despite my rather underwhelming collegiate career. Don’t get me wrong; I had good grades. I also went to a college virtually no one had ever heard of – Bolingbrook College in New Hampshire.With me was Chinese-American Brian Fung from Harvard, blue blood Trent Grant from Carnegie-Melon, African-American Khalid Adzharia from MIT and Salvadoran-American Felix Melena from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. For starters, they all had far better academic pedigrees them me, nicer toys, and better looking suits.The second they found out where I was from, I was dropped out of their conversation. They were bragging about their awards and accomplishments, their families and where they vacationed, professors who knew them on a first name basis and when they planned to get their master’s degrees. Given time to take in our circumstances without the distraction of being part of their little club, something occurred to me.We were all freaking gorgeous. I don’t mean cultured, handsome, or attractive to the opposite sex. I meant every one of us would be hit on in a nightclub in under five minutes unless we had a significant other hanging all over us. I was getting a sinking suspicion about what Havenstone considered 'crucial’ for job performance and it didn’t have anything to do with what alumni we were now part of.Here I was with my Father’s dark good looks, my genetics an ancient blend of Bulgarian and Turkish with a recent addition of Irish Gaelic. My eyes, the legacy of my Mom, were a deep emerald green. The broad shoulders, narrow waist and powerful arms and legs were part heritage with a serious application of physical activity. I exercised constantly, swam whenever I could and cycling was my religion; the tougher the terrain, the better.Better yet, the brainiacs around me hadn’t seemed to figure that out yet. Maybe they thought I was a 'legacy’ hire – I had a relative on the inside. Nope. Mom died when I was seven and my Dad worked for Illinois Power and Light as a line runner. His sister, Aunt Stella, was a crab fisherwoman in Maryland and unmarried.A series of off-handed comments in the interview process suddenly came back to haunt me. I’d been asked about who I was close to, both presently and back in college. They wanted to know about my 'moral character’. Fuck it all – I’d filled out a dating survey! I’d never used a matchmaking service, but I bet if I logged on to E-Harmony, I’d recognize the questions.The door to the conference room opened and seven women entered. Ms. Tessa Carmichael had handled the interview process. Umami Lhasa was her Hindi assistant and all-around encyclopedia of all things Havenstone. The other five were unknown to me and, I had a feeling, unknown to my fellow new hires. We all stood. The other four smiled. I smiled too, but felt cautious.“Gentlemen, it is time to begin. Today we begin your internship process and I’d…” Tessa got out before Fung interrupted.“I was given the impression we were guaranteed employment, Ms. Carmichael,” he spoke in a commanding voice. How stupid was this guy?“Academia is a sheltered environment, Mr. Fung. Havenstone is very much part of the real, visceral world and you can hardly expect to gain a six-figure salary with all the benefits based on your ability to impress men who have never created an iota of wealth in their lives,” Tessa smiled. I hoped she eventually give it back to the orca she’d swiped it from.“I was entertaining offers from several other corporations as well,” Trent added his voice. “We were guaranteed employment. Our contracts state so.” He seemed proud of his ability to read. Trent should have boned up on reading between the lines.“Well, if you two wish to sign 'Termination of Employment’ papers,” Tessa sounded disappointed, “we will conceded to your wishes.”At this point, the guys with a promising futures should have bailed. I didn’t have options unless you considered 'do you want fries with that’ to be a back-up plan. I was amazed the other four didn’t see it.“What we really want is a clarification of what this internship process entails,” Khalid intervened.Tessa’s smile became all happy bunnies again.“Very well,” she appeared pleased, “let’s start by introducing your mentors. Mr. Fung, Ms. Julian Jameson has chosen you. She is our Senior VP in charge of Acquisitions – something you excelled in, I recall.” Fung looked pleased. Julian was a foxy red-head somewhere in her mid-thirties.“Mr. Grant, you have been selected by Olympia Shore, head of our Financial Investigative unit.” Greying hair yet she looked like she ran marathoners down on a regular basis; she was tall, fit and svelte. “I understand you showed a talent for forensic accounting,” Tessa continued. “Mr. Adzharia, you have been chosen by Ms. Phalli Chandra VP of International Finance.”Where Khalid was patently African-American, his mentor was African – most likely central African, like Congo, or Cameroon. She was in her early thirties and sculpted in a way that made me think I wouldn’t mind wrestling her even though I wasn’t sure who would win. “You have an excellent grasp of linguistics as I recall.”“Mr. Melena, Ms. Tia Pharos VP of Business Management has chosen to take you on.” My bet she was Lebanese, or Palestinian – more Sematic than Aramaic. Still, her hair was thick, wavy and long – all the women seemed to go for the 'long hair’ look for that matter. She was also the shortest mentor, perhaps one meter - seventy.“You have all around high marks in your education. We think you will be a perfect fit.” He smiled as did Tia. I thought they were smiling for different reasons. Maybe that was paranoia. “Mr. Nyilas,” that was me - Cáel Nyilas, “you have been selected by Ms. Katrina Love, VP of Executive Services.”I could hear the 'huffs’ of my compatriots. Executive Services were basically gophers for the top tier of the corporation. ES was not the fast track to success. They got the limos and laundry for those who were. On the plus side, Katrina was a voluptuous blonde perhaps forty years of age, hitting all my key sexual triggers…basically, a conscious, breathing female. I didn’t have low standards – I was a sexual omnivore.Given the chance I’d seduce every woman I came across, though not here – not today.After a short series of introductions, we split up to go to our various offices. It turned out that the mentor/internship relationship meant I would be working at her side – literally. I’d have a spot in her personal office for my work station, I would follow her to meetings and be on call 24/7 to assist her in all departmental duties.“Thank you for the opportunity,” I said when she finally gave me the impression I could speak.“Aren’t you disappointed you didn’t get one of the plumb assignments; banking, or asset management?” she inquired while studying me. The gentle hum of the elevator was the only other sound.“Hell, no,” I blurted out then blushed. Katrina arched an eyebrow. “I mean, I think this is a great way to know the company. We get to go everywhere.”“I like your enthusiasm,” she commented. I couldn’t tell if it was a positive thing. Beyond that, she remained non-communicative until we made it to her ornate, spacious personal office.Six young ladies followed us into the room, with the last one shutting the door.“Ladies, this is our latest hire - Cáel Nyilas,” Katrina began. “He’s from some college in New Hampshire and, like the rest of you new hires, will be expected be working closely with me and each other.”Did I mention they were all hot? I was familiar with some of the looks I was getting, too. Once, in high school, I had asked out the Class president who happened to be rich, pretty and smart. Her boyfriend had cheated on her so I thought I had a chance. I was a working class nobody and the look she gave me hurt as much as her words.“Never in a million years,” she mocked loudly. I was an insect – a bug and way beneath her notice. That was the look I was getting from these girls. Four years later, my acne was gone, I’d filled out nicely and physically I had gone from caterpillar to butterfly. That led to the other half of the vibes aimed my way. It was 'he’s delicious’ as one of my girlfriends put it.“Daphne Pile, Dora Cartagena, Fabiola Dobrani, Paula Wadena, Violet Maza, and Theresa 'Tigger’ Castro,” Katrina made rapid-fire introductions. “Now that we all know each other, time to start filling all the orders in our cue. Until Cáel figures out what is where, who wants to ride herd on him?” I had mistakenly believed I would be working with Katrina.No one leapt at the opportunity.“I’ll do it,” Fabiola Dobrani spoke up. She tried to sound upbeat for Katrina. They filed out of the office, each woman heading off in different directions, while I went to my tiny desk.“What are you doing?” Fabiola sounded annoyed.“I need something from my desk and to go to the bathroom,” I informed her. She sighed in exasperation. I quickly retrieved a handful of rubber bands then raced to Fabiola. She pointed me at the closest bathroom…which was Katrina’s personal one. In I went then I locked the door. My pants and underwear came off. I expediently made a rubber band chain then looped it around my hips and pinned my hard-on pointed up.That had become a serious problem when dealing with all these attractive women and I didn’t need the distraction. Once dressed, I quick-stepped it to Fabiola who was tapping her foot.“Let’s go,” she snapped. “We are working with Buffy today. We go with her and do what she tells us to do. Got it?”“Buffy is in charge – I have a basic command of the English language,” I replied. Fabiola shot me an evil look. “What? Do I look like a five year old, or are you normally this rude?”“I’m not being rude to you,” the women with a Mediterranean cast to her features reposed. “You’ve put us behind the other ladies. In case you haven’t figured it out, that’s a bad thing on our first day.”“Am I to believe this is your first day?” I smirked. We stopped by another woman’s desk. Did I mention that this corporation must raid beauty pageants for their staff? Buffy was a medium height brunette with long hair and a perfectly shaped oval face. Her eyes were the lightest shade of brown I’d ever seen – almost golden.“I’m Buffy Dubois,” she stood and extended her hand. I had a neural misfire. I took her offered hand, leaned down and kissed it. Whoops.“Cáel Nyilas, Ms. Dubois,” I gulped. Buffy weighed my gesture.“Nice name,” she grinned. “Call me Buffy. We go on a first name basis here.”“Our first assignment for the day is to go to 1802 Exeter Tower and prepare the suite for the CFO at our San Francisco office coming in for one week,” she informed us. I had no idea where Exeter Tower was and what any of this had to do with my Business degree. I accepted that a fat paycheck was a fat paycheck, so I put my confusion on the back burner.There was an amusing bit of posturing about who got to drive the company car down to the Exeter. Fabiola made a production of taking the keys and making me sit in the back – Buffy didn’t want to drive.“You aren’t much of a man’s man, are you?” Fabiola mocked me.I waited a second for Buffy to say something, considering that bordered on harassment. Fabiola snickered at me while Buffy looked out the window, bored.“Was that supposed to mean something to me?” I replied smoothly. “I don’t know you, you obviously don’t know me, and your assessment of my gender potential is ridiculous.”“Come on, 'New Hire’, you didn’t even go to a real school,” Fabiola spat back.“That’s enough,” Buffy coughed. Fabiola shot me a dirty look. I elected to not be childish, looking out the window instead. Driving the car turned out to be more of a disadvantage than the gem Fab thought it would be. Fabiola had to park the car while Buffy and I went up.The Exeter suite turned out to be a fully furnished apartment. The trick was turning the normal accoutrements into the specifics the client demanded. I didn’t have experience with interior design. I couldn’t say I was demeaned, being reduced to a glorified furniture mover. If Buffy was impressed by my ability to move chairs about, she hid it well.She even left me to my own devices while she went to the bedroom. I double checked the image she’d downloaded to the cellphone to make sure everything was where they wanted.“Cáel, I need you back here,” Buffy called out. Back I went – it wasn’t like I had a choice. “We need to make sure the Feng Shui of the room is impeccable,” she ordered.“Yes, Ma'am - Buffy,” I nodded. “Now let’s assume for a second I don’t have the faintest idea what you are talking about and go from there.”“For now,” she chuckled, “it means moving the bed where I tell you to.” As I moved to the far side of the king-sized bed, contemplating the crushing weight of my student loans, I noticed Buffy had made a wardrobe adjustment.That was a kind way to say she had unbuttoned her blouse to her naval and her pale pink, lacy half-bra was clearly visible. I also saw the incisor of some predator hung from a silver chain around her neck. As she leaned forward, it swayed, playing ping pong between her boobs. I was carefully attentive to her instructions and even managed to ask a few questions like 'what is Feng Shui?’“It is the art of focusing energy upon positive and negative lines so that you promote, or disrupt, the harmony of an area and its occupants,” she informed me. She back-flopped down on the bed in one of the least obfuscated suggestions of 'come get me’ I’d ever seen. I stayed well away, sensing a trap.“It’s jaguar,” Buffy tilted her head back and leered at me. Her shirt was wide open, her bountiful mounds jiggling slightly and her eyes were inviting. She was referring to the tooth pendant that was nestled between her breasts. I backed up toward the window.“I’m sure there is a story behind that,” I tried to wiggle some more breathing room from my collar.“There is,” she rolled over, her goodies still on display. “I shot it with my bow, skinned it and pulled the tooth from its skull.” How sweet and informative.“I’m glad I’m across the room then,” I grinned back. “I’d hate for there to be a misunderstanding between you and I.” Now she placed herself on all fours and stalked across the bed toward me.“I don’t think you are very interested in me,” she pouted. Now I was mentally mapping out the time and distance involved in me getting past her and exiting this career-killer.“You are my boss,” I exclaimed as I started edging around the room. “I imagine you are very interesting, but I’m not the kind of guy who makes advances on every beautiful woman he meets.” That was a total lie. I had the bad habit of making advances on ABSOLUTELY every beautiful woman I met.“Where is everybody?” Fabiola announced after she waltzed into the room. Forget an Oscar, she wouldn’t even get a Razzie from me for that patently false performance. Buffy huffed, rolled her eyes and shifted to the edge of the bed. She fixed her blouse properly then shot a withering glance at Fabiola before getting back to business.After sending a final video of the apartment to the CFO’s personal assistant and getting her okay, we checked out our next chore and set to it. A good deal of it was getting laundry, specialty meals and even picking up kids from daycare/school. We did manage to do some actual corporate business. We ran some confidential documents, not trusted to the computer system, to the various big wigs who needed them.In eight and a half hours I had been a furniture mover, delivery boy, nanny, chauffer and glorified postman. Had it not been for my mountain of student loans, the insane salary and limited job prospects, I would have been disheartened. As it was, I was merely paranoid and confused. I was getting the subtle sense that the women I was working with were waiting for me to fail.I was confused because, with the bending over, strutting, lingerie model wannabes all over the place, how did they expect me to get anything done? My cock hurt – a lot. I was looking away so often I was afraid I’d get whiplash. These had to be the clumsiest women on Earth. Wherever I went, someone dropped something and had to bend over to pick it up.No, they could not bend at the knees. They had to reach over while keeping their legs straight. These weren’t the new hires either. The only one I saw before quitting time was Fabiola. Even she was pretty helpless. She kept losing her shoes and then pleading to me to help put them back on. No matter how hard she tried, I was not looking up her damn skirt.Finally Buffy 'released’ me, indicating my work day was over. That’s when the jackals closed in. From out of nowhere, all six of the new hires appeared outside Katrina’s office as I retrieved my valise. Had it not been for my mode of transit, I’d have left it there and made for the elevators instead of risk being cornered.“Is there a problem?” Katrina spoke up, sensing my reticence in leaving her office. I had to think fast.“Can I use your bathroom?” I turned and asked her. She indicated that I could. I went in and changed, ditching the rubber band nonsense – it hadn’t really worked.When I stepped out, the conspiratorial whispers among the new girls stopped. I even caught Katrina looking me over. See, I got to and from work on my bicycle. It was a really nice bike. Dad got it for me for graduation – as I said, I don’t come from money. Anyway, biking in a suit in New York City was kind of stupid and hard on the dry cleaning bill.The answer to this dilemma was biking clothes, which in June consisted of very tight shorts and a tight shirt (my helmet is with my bike in a nice secure area in front of our skyscraper). Now take into account I was in really good shape and, oh yeah, horny as hell with a 'sensational’ package (fine, one girl called it sensational – I chose to run with her literary license).1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6; yep, ab six-pack accounted for and there was the tube-snake running off to my left hip. Even my nipples on my broad pectorals were making an appearance (through the shirt). As a passing note, I have a really nice ass, or so I’ve been told, and these shorts don’t work well with underwear so I was going without.I mustered my courage and marched on the door.“Ummm…” Katrina purred. “Tomorrow – seven o'clock.”“Yes, Ma'am – Katrina,” I waved over my shoulder. The new hires parted for me, except for Daphne. She put a hand on my right bicep.“Cáel, we are going out for drinks to celebrate our first day,” Daphne smiled sweetly.“Thank you, but no thank you,” I shook my head. “I’m not into time travel.” I moved past her.“What is that supposed to mean?” Dora inquired. They followed me to the elevator.“It is a riddle, Dora,” I grinned. “If you six ladies celebrated your first day with the company, where and when did this celebration take place?”“Are you implying we are lying to you?” Violet glared.“I’m implying you six are treating me like an idiot and none of you are graduates of the NSA, CIA or the New York Academy of Fine Arts, Violet,” I glared right back.“You are not being a team player,” Theresa gave me a smug look.“Now we are back to me being treated like an idiot,” I sighed. “Let me see, each of you knew where your assigned person was, Buffy didn’t see the need to greet Fabiola, Fabiola knew where the car keys were kept, she knew right where the Exeter Building was without accessing our onboard navigation system. She found a parking spot in downtown New York City at ten in the morning in under fifteen minutes…shall I go on?”The hush was so pronounced that not only could I hear our elevators quiet whir, I could hear the noise from the ones on either side of us. The women exchanged nervous looks.“You could still come out and join us for some drinks,” Daphne jumpstarted things.“I’m seeing somebody,” I countered.“You don’t have a girlfriend,” Paula stated confidently. Yep – dating survey.“I met a nice female mime (might as well confirm my heterosexuality) and after an in depth conversation I think we have a lot in common so we are giving serious thought about going out tonight,” I lied. Oh, it was an obvious lie alright. I wanted it to be.“She could join us,” Tigger suggested. They were freaking relentless. Fortunately, the elevator doors opened and we exited onto the ground floor.“And that would make sense because on the first date I’d want to surround her with a bunch of women she doesn’t know and probably has little in common with…I don’t think so,” I mused.They watched me prep my bike, affix my helmet and pedal off to freedom while hovering around and trying to create a new game plan.“Let us know how the date goes,” Fabiola called out.“Like that is going to happen,” I muttered as I sped away.I had studied the route between the corporation headquarters and my domicile for three days and gone onto multiple chats with my fellow cyclists to get a feel for traffic flows, road construction and back alleys. This allowed me to get home in just under fifteen minutes. I lugged my bike up the three flights of stairs – my neighborhood was far from the safe confines of the skyscraper – and settled into my shared flat.The apartment was rather close quarters, but my roommate, Timothy (never Tim), was a descent sort. Timothy was an exercise-conscious, gay tattoo artist with a good professional reputation and he found my choice in employment amusing. Timothy said I was swimming against the current. I told him salmon did it every year. He countered with salmon don’t jump Angel Falls.I was starting to feel he was prophetic after only one day. I didn’t dwell on it too much. I did our laundry, picked up our common area then started in on dinner. That consisted of microwaving frozen vegetables and sausage and bacon biscuits. I left that to warm while I worked out. When Timothy walked in he laughed and shook his head.“You are the best boyfriend I never had,” he chuckled. “Did you do my laundry too?”“Yep,” I said. I put my tablet down and headed to the kitchenette.“Even the underwear?” he teased.“If that’s what you like to call it,” I teased right back.Timothy tended to dress like a Chippendale dancer on his date nights. Thankfully, he had the body for it. Double thankfully, we were both okay with our sexuality. At the start, he had told me he was coming off a long term relationship that imploded. I told him I was heterosexual who had a chronic problem with fidelity.(Tuesday)My mobile phone rang at three o'clock – in the a.m. It was Katrina telling me that I was to get my ass over to corporate, find Desiree and do what she said. Katrina hung up before I could ask for an explanation. Twenty-two minutes later I was back at work. I pulled my 'Clark Kent.’ then phoned Desiree Fredrickson who was already in the garage – level one.She was waiting for me, trying to look impatient, but I knew the 'threw on whatever was handy’ look from too many 'confused girls in the morning’ experiences. I looked at her grim countenance and decided to be professionally polite.“You have this spot at the right corner of your mouth,” I quietly informed her.While driving, she peeked into the rearview mirror and used her tongue to correct the dried drool problem. There was no 'thank you’ aimed my way.“What are we doing?” I yawned.“At least pretend to maintain the proper decorum,” she chided me. She did her best to stifle her yawn.That was the end of my instructional period until we pulled into a parking spot close to a police station.“Watch your mouth and remember they don’t like us,” Desiree warned.“Woman, is it going to kill you to tell me what’s going on, or am I going to have to figure this out with a Tarot deck?” I snapped back.Her eyes narrowed with anger as she turned on me.“Can’t you follow a simple order?” she growled.“Sure,” I sighed. “It isn’t like you want me to succeed anyway,” I groused. She huffed in exasperation then led me to the front of the precinct building.Due to the hour, the place was crowded with drunks, drug addicts and dealers, with a sprinkling of prostitutes and violent felons. The 'they’ who didn’t like us became obvious. The cops didn’t like Desiree and, by default, me.“We are here for Marilynn St. John,” Desiree stated.“Of course you are, Ms. Frederickson,” the female desk sergeant sneered. “It is Lady’s Night at some whore-hole so, of course, your princess ended up here.”“Just get her,” Desiree demanded. The sergeant kept sneering in a way that told us we were going to be a while. Desiree walked over to a corner and put her back to it.I decided to hover close by until the sergeant had a moment.“What do you want?” she regarded me. “Aren’t you with the trash collector?” I guess that meant Desiree.“She’s one of my bosses,” I shrugged. “This is my first – I guess now it is my second day on the job and I have no idea why I am here.”I put my politest, most girl-friendly demeanor forward. It worked.“Keep in mind you are picking up your boss’s trash, Kid,” she turned all matronly on me. “You need to stop hanging around all those poisonous bitches and get a better job.” That led to a discussion of my age, background and economic status of my family.She liked the fact that I was proud of my blue-collar background, single and polite. As an unexpected bonus the Sergeant had a single daughter; a freshly minted from the Police Academy policewoman. I gave her my mobile number and she sent someone to retrieve our charges. While we waited, she showed me a picture of her girl. The daughter was rather sexy.I told her mother that her daughter had a bright smile and a cute nose. Saying 'your pride and joy would look good handcuffed to my bed’ wouldn’t win me points. As the desk sergeant and I finished, out walked two wasted teen fashion queens with a female police escort.“Sign for the over-privileged skanks,” the Sergeant directed me.Desiree pushed me aside and took custody of Marilynn and her high society pal, Vienna Rothmore. The two young ladies joined us as we left the station.“Sorry to mess up your date, Desiree,” Marilynn snickered. Yeah…right, she was soooo sorry.“He’s not my date,” Desiree ground out. “He’s one of our new hires.”“Oh, cool,” Marilynn slurred. She reached up from the back seat and put a hand on my shoulder. “I want you to come home with me and help me test my sheets to make sure they are comfortable,” she giggled. “I have delicate skin.”“You also have a problem with substance abuse, taking things that don’t belong to you, and a lifetime of making poor choices,” I countered. “Sorry; I have to decline.”“You work for my grandmother. That means you work for me,” she protested.“I’m sure if you have your wonderful grandmother put your request in my work cue, I’ll get around to it,” I smiled.“You’re no fun,” Marilynn complained.“He’s not here to be fun for you, Marilynn,” Desiree finally intervened.

Cáel gets an offer that is too good to be true.By FinalStand. Listen and subscribe to the podcast at Steamy Stories.-People who forget their past are doomed to be blind-sided by it-(Monday)I couldn’t help but notice the similarity between myself and the other four new hires. We were all clean cut men, fresh out of college, fit and masculine. The ‘men’ part of the equation made sense. Havenstone Commercial Investments had come out of a long legal proceeding over their accused discriminatory policies.An undisclosed settlement had been reached plus they agreed to implement this new program to hire more men. For me that meant an employment opportunity with a Fortune 500 company despite my rather underwhelming collegiate career. Don’t get me wrong; I had good grades. I also went to a college virtually no one had ever heard of – Bolingbrook College in New Hampshire.With me was Chinese-American Brian Fung from Harvard, blue blood Trent Grant from Carnegie-Melon, African-American Khalid Adzharia from MIT and Salvadoran-American Felix Melena from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. For starters, they all had far better academic pedigrees them me, nicer toys, and better looking suits.The second they found out where I was from, I was dropped out of their conversation. They were bragging about their awards and accomplishments, their families and where they vacationed, professors who knew them on a first name basis and when they planned to get their master’s degrees. Given time to take in our circumstances without the distraction of being part of their little club, something occurred to me.We were all freaking gorgeous. I don’t mean cultured, handsome, or attractive to the opposite sex. I meant every one of us would be hit on in a nightclub in under five minutes unless we had a significant other hanging all over us. I was getting a sinking suspicion about what Havenstone considered 'crucial’ for job performance and it didn’t have anything to do with what alumni we were now part of.Here I was with my Father’s dark good looks, my genetics an ancient blend of Bulgarian and Turkish with a recent addition of Irish Gaelic. My eyes, the legacy of my Mom, were a deep emerald green. The broad shoulders, narrow waist and powerful arms and legs were part heritage with a serious application of physical activity. I exercised constantly, swam whenever I could and cycling was my religion; the tougher the terrain, the better.Better yet, the brainiacs around me hadn’t seemed to figure that out yet. Maybe they thought I was a 'legacy’ hire – I had a relative on the inside. Nope. Mom died when I was seven and my Dad worked for Illinois Power and Light as a line runner. His sister, Aunt Stella, was a crab fisherwoman in Maryland and unmarried.A series of off-handed comments in the interview process suddenly came back to haunt me. I’d been asked about who I was close to, both presently and back in college. They wanted to know about my 'moral character’. Fuck it all – I’d filled out a dating survey! I’d never used a matchmaking service, but I bet if I logged on to E-Harmony, I’d recognize the questions.The door to the conference room opened and seven women entered. Ms. Tessa Carmichael had handled the interview process. Umami Lhasa was her Hindi assistant and all-around encyclopedia of all things Havenstone. The other five were unknown to me and, I had a feeling, unknown to my fellow new hires. We all stood. The other four smiled. I smiled too, but felt cautious.“Gentlemen, it is time to begin. Today we begin your internship process and I’d…” Tessa got out before Fung interrupted.“I was given the impression we were guaranteed employment, Ms. Carmichael,” he spoke in a commanding voice. How stupid was this guy?“Academia is a sheltered environment, Mr. Fung. Havenstone is very much part of the real, visceral world and you can hardly expect to gain a six-figure salary with all the benefits based on your ability to impress men who have never created an iota of wealth in their lives,” Tessa smiled. I hoped she eventually give it back to the orca she’d swiped it from.“I was entertaining offers from several other corporations as well,” Trent added his voice. “We were guaranteed employment. Our contracts state so.” He seemed proud of his ability to read. Trent should have boned up on reading between the lines.“Well, if you two wish to sign 'Termination of Employment’ papers,” Tessa sounded disappointed, “we will conceded to your wishes.”At this point, the guys with a promising futures should have bailed. I didn’t have options unless you considered 'do you want fries with that’ to be a back-up plan. I was amazed the other four didn’t see it.“What we really want is a clarification of what this internship process entails,” Khalid intervened.Tessa’s smile became all happy bunnies again.“Very well,” she appeared pleased, “let’s start by introducing your mentors. Mr. Fung, Ms. Julian Jameson has chosen you. She is our Senior VP in charge of Acquisitions – something you excelled in, I recall.” Fung looked pleased. Julian was a foxy red-head somewhere in her mid-thirties.“Mr. Grant, you have been selected by Olympia Shore, head of our Financial Investigative unit.” Greying hair yet she looked like she ran marathoners down on a regular basis; she was tall, fit and svelte. “I understand you showed a talent for forensic accounting,” Tessa continued. “Mr. Adzharia, you have been chosen by Ms. Phalli Chandra VP of International Finance.”Where Khalid was patently African-American, his mentor was African – most likely central African, like Congo, or Cameroon. She was in her early thirties and sculpted in a way that made me think I wouldn’t mind wrestling her even though I wasn’t sure who would win. “You have an excellent grasp of linguistics as I recall.”“Mr. Melena, Ms. Tia Pharos VP of Business Management has chosen to take you on.” My bet she was Lebanese, or Palestinian – more Sematic than Aramaic. Still, her hair was thick, wavy and long – all the women seemed to go for the 'long hair’ look for that matter. She was also the shortest mentor, perhaps one meter - seventy.“You have all around high marks in your education. We think you will be a perfect fit.” He smiled as did Tia. I thought they were smiling for different reasons. Maybe that was paranoia. “Mr. Nyilas,” that was me - Cáel Nyilas, “you have been selected by Ms. Katrina Love, VP of Executive Services.”I could hear the 'huffs’ of my compatriots. Executive Services were basically gophers for the top tier of the corporation. ES was not the fast track to success. They got the limos and laundry for those who were. On the plus side, Katrina was a voluptuous blonde perhaps forty years of age, hitting all my key sexual triggers…basically, a conscious, breathing female. I didn’t have low standards – I was a sexual omnivore.Given the chance I’d seduce every woman I came across, though not here – not today.After a short series of introductions, we split up to go to our various offices. It turned out that the mentor/internship relationship meant I would be working at her side – literally. I’d have a spot in her personal office for my work station, I would follow her to meetings and be on call 24/7 to assist her in all departmental duties.“Thank you for the opportunity,” I said when she finally gave me the impression I could speak.“Aren’t you disappointed you didn’t get one of the plumb assignments; banking, or asset management?” she inquired while studying me. The gentle hum of the elevator was the only other sound.“Hell, no,” I blurted out then blushed. Katrina arched an eyebrow. “I mean, I think this is a great way to know the company. We get to go everywhere.”“I like your enthusiasm,” she commented. I couldn’t tell if it was a positive thing. Beyond that, she remained non-communicative until we made it to her ornate, spacious personal office.Six young ladies followed us into the room, with the last one shutting the door.“Ladies, this is our latest hire - Cáel Nyilas,” Katrina began. “He’s from some college in New Hampshire and, like the rest of you new hires, will be expected be working closely with me and each other.”Did I mention they were all hot? I was familiar with some of the looks I was getting, too. Once, in high school, I had asked out the Class president who happened to be rich, pretty and smart. Her boyfriend had cheated on her so I thought I had a chance. I was a working class nobody and the look she gave me hurt as much as her words.“Never in a million years,” she mocked loudly. I was an insect – a bug and way beneath her notice. That was the look I was getting from these girls. Four years later, my acne was gone, I’d filled out nicely and physically I had gone from caterpillar to butterfly. That led to the other half of the vibes aimed my way. It was 'he’s delicious’ as one of my girlfriends put it.“Daphne Pile, Dora Cartagena, Fabiola Dobrani, Paula Wadena, Violet Maza, and Theresa 'Tigger’ Castro,” Katrina made rapid-fire introductions. “Now that we all know each other, time to start filling all the orders in our cue. Until Cáel figures out what is where, who wants to ride herd on him?” I had mistakenly believed I would be working with Katrina.No one leapt at the opportunity.“I’ll do it,” Fabiola Dobrani spoke up. She tried to sound upbeat for Katrina. They filed out of the office, each woman heading off in different directions, while I went to my tiny desk.“What are you doing?” Fabiola sounded annoyed.“I need something from my desk and to go to the bathroom,” I informed her. She sighed in exasperation. I quickly retrieved a handful of rubber bands then raced to Fabiola. She pointed me at the closest bathroom…which was Katrina’s personal one. In I went then I locked the door. My pants and underwear came off. I expediently made a rubber band chain then looped it around my hips and pinned my hard-on pointed up.That had become a serious problem when dealing with all these attractive women and I didn’t need the distraction. Once dressed, I quick-stepped it to Fabiola who was tapping her foot.“Let’s go,” she snapped. “We are working with Buffy today. We go with her and do what she tells us to do. Got it?”“Buffy is in charge – I have a basic command of the English language,” I replied. Fabiola shot me an evil look. “What? Do I look like a five year old, or are you normally this rude?”“I’m not being rude to you,” the women with a Mediterranean cast to her features reposed. “You’ve put us behind the other ladies. In case you haven’t figured it out, that’s a bad thing on our first day.”“Am I to believe this is your first day?” I smirked. We stopped by another woman’s desk. Did I mention that this corporation must raid beauty pageants for their staff? Buffy was a medium height brunette with long hair and a perfectly shaped oval face. Her eyes were the lightest shade of brown I’d ever seen – almost golden.“I’m Buffy Dubois,” she stood and extended her hand. I had a neural misfire. I took her offered hand, leaned down and kissed it. Whoops.“Cáel Nyilas, Ms. Dubois,” I gulped. Buffy weighed my gesture.“Nice name,” she grinned. “Call me Buffy. We go on a first name basis here.”“Our first assignment for the day is to go to 1802 Exeter Tower and prepare the suite for the CFO at our San Francisco office coming in for one week,” she informed us. I had no idea where Exeter Tower was and what any of this had to do with my Business degree. I accepted that a fat paycheck was a fat paycheck, so I put my confusion on the back burner.There was an amusing bit of posturing about who got to drive the company car down to the Exeter. Fabiola made a production of taking the keys and making me sit in the back – Buffy didn’t want to drive.“You aren’t much of a man’s man, are you?” Fabiola mocked me.I waited a second for Buffy to say something, considering that bordered on harassment. Fabiola snickered at me while Buffy looked out the window, bored.“Was that supposed to mean something to me?” I replied smoothly. “I don’t know you, you obviously don’t know me, and your assessment of my gender potential is ridiculous.”“Come on, 'New Hire’, you didn’t even go to a real school,” Fabiola spat back.“That’s enough,” Buffy coughed. Fabiola shot me a dirty look. I elected to not be childish, looking out the window instead. Driving the car turned out to be more of a disadvantage than the gem Fab thought it would be. Fabiola had to park the car while Buffy and I went up.The Exeter suite turned out to be a fully furnished apartment. The trick was turning the normal accoutrements into the specifics the client demanded. I didn’t have experience with interior design. I couldn’t say I was demeaned, being reduced to a glorified furniture mover. If Buffy was impressed by my ability to move chairs about, she hid it well.She even left me to my own devices while she went to the bedroom. I double checked the image she’d downloaded to the cellphone to make sure everything was where they wanted.“Cáel, I need you back here,” Buffy called out. Back I went – it wasn’t like I had a choice. “We need to make sure the Feng Shui of the room is impeccable,” she ordered.“Yes, Ma'am - Buffy,” I nodded. “Now let’s assume for a second I don’t have the faintest idea what you are talking about and go from there.”“For now,” she chuckled, “it means moving the bed where I tell you to.” As I moved to the far side of the king-sized bed, contemplating the crushing weight of my student loans, I noticed Buffy had made a wardrobe adjustment.That was a kind way to say she had unbuttoned her blouse to her naval and her pale pink, lacy half-bra was clearly visible. I also saw the incisor of some predator hung from a silver chain around her neck. As she leaned forward, it swayed, playing ping pong between her boobs. I was carefully attentive to her instructions and even managed to ask a few questions like 'what is Feng Shui?’“It is the art of focusing energy upon positive and negative lines so that you promote, or disrupt, the harmony of an area and its occupants,” she informed me. She back-flopped down on the bed in one of the least obfuscated suggestions of 'come get me’ I’d ever seen. I stayed well away, sensing a trap.“It’s jaguar,” Buffy tilted her head back and leered at me. Her shirt was wide open, her bountiful mounds jiggling slightly and her eyes were inviting. She was referring to the tooth pendant that was nestled between her breasts. I backed up toward the window.“I’m sure there is a story behind that,” I tried to wiggle some more breathing room from my collar.“There is,” she rolled over, her goodies still on display. “I shot it with my bow, skinned it and pulled the tooth from its skull.” How sweet and informative.“I’m glad I’m across the room then,” I grinned back. “I’d hate for there to be a misunderstanding between you and I.” Now she placed herself on all fours and stalked across the bed toward me.“I don’t think you are very interested in me,” she pouted. Now I was mentally mapping out the time and distance involved in me getting past her and exiting this career-killer.“You are my boss,” I exclaimed as I started edging around the room. “I imagine you are very interesting, but I’m not the kind of guy who makes advances on every beautiful woman he meets.” That was a total lie. I had the bad habit of making advances on ABSOLUTELY every beautiful woman I met.“Where is everybody?” Fabiola announced after she waltzed into the room. Forget an Oscar, she wouldn’t even get a Razzie from me for that patently false performance. Buffy huffed, rolled her eyes and shifted to the edge of the bed. She fixed her blouse properly then shot a withering glance at Fabiola before getting back to business.After sending a final video of the apartment to the CFO’s personal assistant and getting her okay, we checked out our next chore and set to it. A good deal of it was getting laundry, specialty meals and even picking up kids from daycare/school. We did manage to do some actual corporate business. We ran some confidential documents, not trusted to the computer system, to the various big wigs who needed them.In eight and a half hours I had been a furniture mover, delivery boy, nanny, chauffer and glorified postman. Had it not been for my mountain of student loans, the insane salary and limited job prospects, I would have been disheartened. As it was, I was merely paranoid and confused. I was getting the subtle sense that the women I was working with were waiting for me to fail.I was confused because, with the bending over, strutting, lingerie model wannabes all over the place, how did they expect me to get anything done? My cock hurt – a lot. I was looking away so often I was afraid I’d get whiplash. These had to be the clumsiest women on Earth. Wherever I went, someone dropped something and had to bend over to pick it up.No, they could not bend at the knees. They had to reach over while keeping their legs straight. These weren’t the new hires either. The only one I saw before quitting time was Fabiola. Even she was pretty helpless. She kept losing her shoes and then pleading to me to help put them back on. No matter how hard she tried, I was not looking up her damn skirt.Finally Buffy 'released’ me, indicating my work day was over. That’s when the jackals closed in. From out of nowhere, all six of the new hires appeared outside Katrina’s office as I retrieved my valise. Had it not been for my mode of transit, I’d have left it there and made for the elevators instead of risk being cornered.“Is there a problem?” Katrina spoke up, sensing my reticence in leaving her office. I had to think fast.“Can I use your bathroom?” I turned and asked her. She indicated that I could. I went in and changed, ditching the rubber band nonsense – it hadn’t really worked.When I stepped out, the conspiratorial whispers among the new girls stopped. I even caught Katrina looking me over. See, I got to and from work on my bicycle. It was a really nice bike. Dad got it for me for graduation – as I said, I don’t come from money. Anyway, biking in a suit in New York City was kind of stupid and hard on the dry cleaning bill.The answer to this dilemma was biking clothes, which in June consisted of very tight shorts and a tight shirt (my helmet is with my bike in a nice secure area in front of our skyscraper). Now take into account I was in really good shape and, oh yeah, horny as hell with a 'sensational’ package (fine, one girl called it sensational – I chose to run with her literary license).1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6; yep, ab six-pack accounted for and there was the tube-snake running off to my left hip. Even my nipples on my broad pectorals were making an appearance (through the shirt). As a passing note, I have a really nice ass, or so I’ve been told, and these shorts don’t work well with underwear so I was going without.I mustered my courage and marched on the door.“Ummm…” Katrina purred. “Tomorrow – seven o'clock.”“Yes, Ma'am – Katrina,” I waved over my shoulder. The new hires parted for me, except for Daphne. She put a hand on my right bicep.“Cáel, we are going out for drinks to celebrate our first day,” Daphne smiled sweetly.“Thank you, but no thank you,” I shook my head. “I’m not into time travel.” I moved past her.“What is that supposed to mean?” Dora inquired. They followed me to the elevator.“It is a riddle, Dora,” I grinned. “If you six ladies celebrated your first day with the company, where and when did this celebration take place?”“Are you implying we are lying to you?” Violet glared.“I’m implying you six are treating me like an idiot and none of you are graduates of the NSA, CIA or the New York Academy of Fine Arts, Violet,” I glared right back.“You are not being a team player,” Theresa gave me a smug look.“Now we are back to me being treated like an idiot,” I sighed. “Let me see, each of you knew where your assigned person was, Buffy didn’t see the need to greet Fabiola, Fabiola knew where the car keys were kept, she knew right where the Exeter Building was without accessing our onboard navigation system. She found a parking spot in downtown New York City at ten in the morning in under fifteen minutes…shall I go on?”The hush was so pronounced that not only could I hear our elevators quiet whir, I could hear the noise from the ones on either side of us. The women exchanged nervous looks.“You could still come out and join us for some drinks,” Daphne jumpstarted things.“I’m seeing somebody,” I countered.“You don’t have a girlfriend,” Paula stated confidently. Yep – dating survey.“I met a nice female mime (might as well confirm my heterosexuality) and after an in depth conversation I think we have a lot in common so we are giving serious thought about going out tonight,” I lied. Oh, it was an obvious lie alright. I wanted it to be.“She could join us,” Tigger suggested. They were freaking relentless. Fortunately, the elevator doors opened and we exited onto the ground floor.“And that would make sense because on the first date I’d want to surround her with a bunch of women she doesn’t know and probably has little in common with…I don’t think so,” I mused.They watched me prep my bike, affix my helmet and pedal off to freedom while hovering around and trying to create a new game plan.“Let us know how the date goes,” Fabiola called out.“Like that is going to happen,” I muttered as I sped away.I had studied the route between the corporation headquarters and my domicile for three days and gone onto multiple chats with my fellow cyclists to get a feel for traffic flows, road construction and back alleys. This allowed me to get home in just under fifteen minutes. I lugged my bike up the three flights of stairs – my neighborhood was far from the safe confines of the skyscraper – and settled into my shared flat.The apartment was rather close quarters, but my roommate, Timothy (never Tim), was a descent sort. Timothy was an exercise-conscious, gay tattoo artist with a good professional reputation and he found my choice in employment amusing. Timothy said I was swimming against the current. I told him salmon did it every year. He countered with salmon don’t jump Angel Falls.I was starting to feel he was prophetic after only one day. I didn’t dwell on it too much. I did our laundry, picked up our common area then started in on dinner. That consisted of microwaving frozen vegetables and sausage and bacon biscuits. I left that to warm while I worked out. When Timothy walked in he laughed and shook his head.“You are the best boyfriend I never had,” he chuckled. “Did you do my laundry too?”“Yep,” I said. I put my tablet down and headed to the kitchenette.“Even the underwear?” he teased.“If that’s what you like to call it,” I teased right back.Timothy tended to dress like a Chippendale dancer on his date nights. Thankfully, he had the body for it. Double thankfully, we were both okay with our sexuality. At the start, he had told me he was coming off a long term relationship that imploded. I told him I was heterosexual who had a chronic problem with fidelity.(Tuesday)My mobile phone rang at three o'clock – in the a.m. It was Katrina telling me that I was to get my ass over to corporate, find Desiree and do what she said. Katrina hung up before I could ask for an explanation. Twenty-two minutes later I was back at work. I pulled my 'Clark Kent.’ then phoned Desiree Fredrickson who was already in the garage – level one.She was waiting for me, trying to look impatient, but I knew the 'threw on whatever was handy’ look from too many 'confused girls in the morning’ experiences. I looked at her grim countenance and decided to be professionally polite.“You have this spot at the right corner of your mouth,” I quietly informed her.While driving, she peeked into the rearview mirror and used her tongue to correct the dried drool problem. There was no 'thank you’ aimed my way.“What are we doing?” I yawned.“At least pretend to maintain the proper decorum,” she chided me. She did her best to stifle her yawn.That was the end of my instructional period until we pulled into a parking spot close to a police station.“Watch your mouth and remember they don’t like us,” Desiree warned.“Woman, is it going to kill you to tell me what’s going on, or am I going to have to figure this out with a Tarot deck?” I snapped back.Her eyes narrowed with anger as she turned on me.“Can’t you follow a simple order?” she growled.“Sure,” I sighed. “It isn’t like you want me to succeed anyway,” I groused. She huffed in exasperation then led me to the front of the precinct building.Due to the hour, the place was crowded with drunks, drug addicts and dealers, with a sprinkling of prostitutes and violent felons. The 'they’ who didn’t like us became obvious. The cops didn’t like Desiree and, by default, me.“We are here for Marilynn St. John,” Desiree stated.“Of course you are, Ms. Frederickson,” the female desk sergeant sneered. “It is Lady’s Night at some whore-hole so, of course, your princess ended up here.”“Just get her,” Desiree demanded. The sergeant kept sneering in a way that told us we were going to be a while. Desiree walked over to a corner and put her back to it.I decided to hover close by until the sergeant had a moment.“What do you want?” she regarded me. “Aren’t you with the trash collector?” I guess that meant Desiree.“She’s one of my bosses,” I shrugged. “This is my first – I guess now it is my second day on the job and I have no idea why I am here.”I put my politest, most girl-friendly demeanor forward. It worked.“Keep in mind you are picking up your boss’s trash, Kid,” she turned all matronly on me. “You need to stop hanging around all those poisonous bitches and get a better job.” That led to a discussion of my age, background and economic status of my family.She liked the fact that I was proud of my blue-collar background, single and polite. As an unexpected bonus the Sergeant had a single daughter; a freshly minted from the Police Academy policewoman. I gave her my mobile number and she sent someone to retrieve our charges. While we waited, she showed me a picture of her girl. The daughter was rather sexy.I told her mother that her daughter had a bright smile and a cute nose. Saying 'your pride and joy would look good handcuffed to my bed’ wouldn’t win me points. As the desk sergeant and I finished, out walked two wasted teen fashion queens with a female police escort.“Sign for the over-privileged skanks,” the Sergeant directed me.Desiree pushed me aside and took custody of Marilynn and her high society pal, Vienna Rothmore. The two young ladies joined us as we left the station.“Sorry to mess up your date, Desiree,” Marilynn snickered. Yeah…right, she was soooo sorry.“He’s not my date,” Desiree ground out. “He’s one of our new hires.”“Oh, cool,” Marilynn slurred. She reached up from the back seat and put a hand on my shoulder. “I want you to come home with me and help me test my sheets to make sure they are comfortable,” she giggled. “I have delicate skin.”“You also have a problem with substance abuse, taking things that don’t belong to you, and a lifetime of making poor choices,” I countered. “Sorry; I have to decline.”“You work for my grandmother. That means you work for me,” she protested.“I’m sure if you have your wonderful grandmother put your request in my work cue, I’ll get around to it,” I smiled.“You’re no fun,” Marilynn complained.“He’s not here to be fun for you, Marilynn,” Desiree finally intervened.

Our 50th episode comes to you on the most ancient of Irish holidays - Halloween or Oíche Shamhna (eee-ha how-na) in Irish/Gaelic. It is the night that celebrates the transition from the old to the new Celtic year. That transition point, between the present and the past, was a space where the Celts believed the spirits or pucaí (pook-ee) of the past roamed.Halloween seems a particularly appropriate date for us to introduce Neil Jackman, a man with an insatiable interest in Ireland's mysterious past and whose mission is to make "the past present". We talk with Neil about his work on the foreboding hill which overlooks Dublin where a sinister brooding building stares down on the capital city and where 18th-century aristocratic members of the Hell Fire met for their debauched revelries.While we talk with Neil about the Hell Fire and its far deeper past, we also explore his background from the North West of England and how he came to live in Ireland with a hazy understanding of his ancestral past. We trace his career through an archaeological boom and bust period which in turn led to the foundation, along with his wife Róisín Burke, of the innovative Abarta Heritage. Abarta has worked with multiple stakeholders of Ireland's past including the Office of Public Works, the Heritage Council, and the National Museum of Ireland. Always, Abarta has been focused on deepening the public's understanding of the island's rich historical legacy.Not to be just historical, we will talk with Neil about his Puffin obsession and the otherworldly site where his twin interests collide. You'll just have to listen to the podcast for more.Neil Jackman LinksTwitterLinkedInInstagramAbarta Heritage - Audio Guides and Heritage ServicesAmplify Archaeology - PodcastTuatha - for those looking for a deeper understanding of Ireland's past

Irish lovers in Teacherland, you are in for a treat! Today I am in conversation with Aoife Crowne who teaches traditional Irish Gaelic in Bantry in southern Ireland. Aoife and I discuss the mindset she uses each day to motivate her 16 year-olds to learn Gaelic and how she battles time in the go-go-go Back to School pace alive and well even in a small town. Aoife also describes what she would do if she was Minister of Education in Ireland for a day and could fix some of the problems that Irish teachers face. Don't miss this very beautiful conversation with Aoife Crowne. Resources: Follow Chrissy on Instagram @chrissyconcept. Sign up for a FREE 30 minute coaching call. More About Teacher Talk with Chrissy Nichols: Teacher Talk is the podcast for educators like you who are on the brink of burnout, or are already there. It's your guide to feeling better about being at school and being in your life. Your host, Chrissy Nichols, is a life coach for teachers. In her weekly episodes, she will give you quick tools, tips, and brain hacks to understand that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. It's time to find the joy in teaching again and get back to feeling like the best version of yourself.

Shakespeare's most famous soliloquy, 'To Be or Not Be' offered in languages from throughout the world.  This  podcast features Una Clancy in Irish Gaelic.  In support of and solidarity  with the people of Ukraine. Mrs. Clancy is  known  for  her  work  not only  with  the  Drilling  Company  but  also with New York's famed , Irish Repertory Theatre  among  many others. The Drilling  Company is  known for  Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, Bryant Park Shakespeare and world premieres of new plays in New York City over  the  last  two  decades , championing playwrights  and nurturing a dynamic ensemble of actors, anchored in New York City  from  all over the world.

In this episode, I welcome Lawrence Morris up on the front porch. Lawrence is a professor of English at Albright College in Reading, PA. We discuss his strong Irish-American heritage which led him down an academic road in classical and medieval literature. We discuss the Irish Gaelic language and his fascination with the Pennsylvania Dutch language and culture. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dougmadenford)

Join Tomás O'Leary and Brendan Walsh as they discuss the Big Blockbuster deal made by Microsoft, the two trends ahead for IBM in the year 2022, and more. This episode features a very special guest, Jim Gavin, former Irish Gaelic football manager, High Performance Coach and Keynote Speaker, who joins to discuss high performance and the key components and traits that make up a high-performance professional.

Cathal Coughlan is the Irish music legend, Co- founder and singer of acclaimed 80s /90s groups Microdisney and Fatima Mansions.  As one of Ireland's most revered singer and lyricist, Coughlan has been described by the Guardian as “the most underrated lyricist in pop today.” The legendary DJ, John Peel said he could “listen to Cathal Couglan sing the phone book.”   In 2019, Coughlan and the members of  Microdisney were the first recipients of Ireland's National Concert Hall Trailblazer Award, which celebrated culturally important albums by iconic Irish musicians, songwriters and composers (for 1985's The Clock Comes Down the Stairs)In 2021 Coughlan released his latest solo album in Dimple Discs called Song of Co-Aklan, his first new music in ten years, along  with videos produced by Emmy Award-winning Filmmaker George Seminara.  Recorded in London, the tracks in the album features contributions from members of long time  collaborators The Grand Necropolitan Quartet  featuring Sean O'Hagen (Microdisney, High Llamas, Stereolab), Luke Haines (the Auteurs, Black Box Recorder), Rhodri Marsden (Scritti Politti), acclaimed Irish-singer/songwriter Eileen Gogan, Andrias O Gruama (Fatima Mansions) and Cory Gray (The Delines) on Wurlitzer Piano. The tracks also features members from the Grand Necropolitan Quartet, such as Nick Allum (The Fatima Mansions, the Apartments), James Woodrow, Audrey Riley ( Lush, the Sundays, the Smiths, Nick Cave, The Cure, the Go-Betweens, Smashing Pumpkins, Catherine wheel, Molokai and Coldplay), Rhodri Marsden (Scritti Politti) just to name a few.Coughlan's latest production is called Telefis (the Irish Gaelic word for Television, pronounced Tele-feesh.), a collaboration with producer, mixer and composer Garret “Jacknife” Lee who has worked with  U2, R.E.M. the Cars, The Killers, Crystal Castles and Taylor Swift etc. Telefis released a single in 2021 called “Falun Gong Dancer.”  More recently, the legendary post-punk bassist  JAH WOBBLE. (Public Image Limited and Invaders of the Heart) teamed up with Telefis on “Falun Gong Dancer.” Their anticipated debut album called “a hAon “ (Number One) scheduled to be released on February 11, 2022 will feature 13 highly unique tracks. https://cathalcoughlan.comhttps://cathalc.bandcamp.comhttps://telefis.bandcamp.com

Subscribe to Quotomania on Simplecast or search for Quotomania on your favorite podcast app!Born in Dublin, Ireland, on June 13, 1865, William Butler Yeats was the son of a well-known Irish painter, John Butler Yeats. He spent his childhood in County Sligo, where his parents were raised, and in London. He returned to Dublin at the age of fifteen to continue his education and study painting, but quickly discovered he preferred poetry. Born into the Anglo-Irish landowning class, Yeats became involved with the Celtic Revival, a movement against the cultural influences of English rule in Ireland during the Victorian period, which sought to promote the spirit of Ireland's native heritage. Though Yeats never learned Irish Gaelic himself, his writing at the turn of the century drew extensively from sources in Irish mythology and folklore. Also a potent influence on his poetry was the Irish revolutionary Maud Gonne, whom he met in 1889, a woman equally famous for her passionate nationalist politics and her beauty. Though she married another man in 1903 and grew apart from Yeats (and Yeats himself was eventually married to another woman, Georgie Hyde Lees), she remained a powerful figure in his poetry.Yeats was deeply involved in politics in Ireland, and in the twenties, despite Irish independence from England, his verse reflected a pessimism about the political situation in his country and the rest of Europe, paralleling the increasing conservativism of his American counterparts in London, T. S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. His work after 1910 was strongly influenced by Pound, becoming more modern in its concision and imagery, but Yeats never abandoned his strict adherence to traditional verse forms. He had a life-long interest in mysticism and the occult, which was off-putting to some readers, but he remained uninhibited in advancing his idiosyncratic philosophy, and his poetry continued to grow stronger as he grew older. Appointed a senator of the Irish Free State in 1922, he is remembered as an important cultural leader, as a major playwright (he was one of the founders of the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin), and as one of the very greatest poets—in any language—of the century. W. B. Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 and died in 1939 at the age of seventy-three.From https://poets.org/poet/w-b-yeats. For more information about W. B. Yeats:“William Butler Yeats”: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-butler-yeats“How did Yeats interpet his own poetry?”: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/how-did-yeats-interpret-his-own-poetry-a-clue-lies-in-an-irish-times-article-from-1923-1.4176374

Our guests this week are the founders of Talnua Distillery in Arvada Colorado. Patrick and Meagan Miller fell in love with the traditionally Irish, Single Pot Still Whiskey on a honeymoon trip to Ireland. They aimed to recreate the style of whiskey featuring malted and unmalted barley, but with an American twist. Talnua created the first Single Pot Still distillery outside of Ireland. They wanted to bring this style of whiskey to America and imbue it with the nation's terroir while  honoring Gaelic distilling traditions, the immigrant soul, and the pioneering spirit of the American people. Enjoy this week's episode and check out this newer style of American Whiskey. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at TheBourbonLens@Gmail.com. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott & JakeBourbon Lens About the Talnua Brand: In 2017, we embarked on a mission to define a new chapter of American whiskey with the introduction of our American Single Pot Still Whiskey. True to gaelic-style distilling practices, and unique to the new world, our spirits are produced using a mashbill of raw and malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills. Located on the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the altitude, changing seasons, crystal clear mountain water, and local barley all lend a uniquely American terroir to our spirits. About the Founders: Patrick Miller Founder, President & Head Distiller: Denver, CO. Patrick began his distilling career at Breckenridge Distillery's Distillation and Production School in June of 2015. In August of 2015, he started working as a Distiller at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. After spending nearly three years on recipe development, brewing, and distilling for Talnua, Patrick distilled the first batch of Single Pot Still whiskey in the US in 2018. Prior work includes: Chemist, Fluids Engineer, and Database Systems Manager for oil and gas companies. {Brewing, Distilling, Barreling, Bottling, Sales} Meagan Miller Founder, Vice President & Sales: Denver, CO. Meagan (“the Nose”) has worked with Patrick every step of the way on brewing, distilling, and recipe development. Meagan's background is regulatory compliance, rule making, and policy development. This government affairs experience provides a key asset in working with Federal, State, and Local agencies on permitting, licensing, and reporting. Meagan also provides front of house experience in the service industry and manages day to day distillery business functions. On October 18, 2019, she was elected to serve as the next President of the Colorado Distiller's Guild. Where it all began: In a Galway pub on their honeymoon, Patrick and Meagan sat watching the 2011 Ireland vs. USA Rugby World Cup Match. An eager bartender was thrilled to share with them the first Single Pot Still Whiskey to be released in decades. He regaled them with the history of this nearly extinct style of whiskey and with the passion that one day, Single Pot Still would regain its rightful place on the world stage. The love affair was instant, and the couples' passion was forever ingrained in the story of Single Pot Still Whiskey. With family history rooted in Irish ancestry, the couple returned to Ireland every year and knew that single pot still whiskey would forever be a part of their story.  Knowing that Single Pot Still Whiskey was not yet available in the US they set out to create the first Single Pot Still distillery outside of Ireland. They wanted to bring this style of whiskey to America and imbue it with the nation's terroir while  honoring Gaelic distilling traditions, the immigrant soul, and the pioneering spirit of the American people. Our Name: Talnua. Our name is born of the Irish-Gaelic words ‘Talamh', meaning ‘Land', and ‘Nua', meaning ‘New'. In a word, it's our story, and tells of our passion for bringing an old-world style of distilling to the new land that is America. Our sigil shows our native Big Horn Ram on the Flatirons of Colorado's Front Range. It is looking back on a triskele moon, which represents the Irish-Gaelic old world, home to the distilling traditions we honor.  Faugh a Ballagh. Our motto means ‘Clear the Way' for the new American Single Pot Still and explore a whole new world of character and flavor. Show Links: Whiskey Distillery | Talnua Distillery | Arvada, CO | United States Shop Talnua Distillery  Talnua Distillery Turns Two With Big Plans For the Future Talnua Distillery in Arvada Makes a Whiskey Style Rare Outside of Ireland Talnua Distillery Brings Single Pot Still Whiskey to Denver on St. Patrick's Day Weekend 25 New Colorado Spirits to Drink in 2021 and Beyond Effects of Climate Change On Whiskey Taste Being Studied By Distilleries Climate change may be changing taste of Irish whiskey Top 10 spirits marketing moves in September 2021 – The Spirits Business

Welcome to Hang the Holly. I'll introduce you to Runa as we take an inside look at artists in the latest episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast.    "The Snows That Melt the Soonest" is the 4th episode of 2020 and show #58. It features Christmas music from Runa, Stephanie Claussen, David Pedrick, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Steel Clover, Mark O'Connor, Marc Gunn, deCeadaoin, Andrew D. Huber, The Rogues, Sheri O'Meara, Abbots Cross, Reilly, Prydein, The Jig Is Up!.     The show is generously brought to you by the Patrons of the Celtic Christmas Podcast on Patreon. Please show your Celtic Christmas Cheer, make a pledge to support the show.   If you enjoy the show, you can rate the show or post comments on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher.  Subscribe to the podcast at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.   And now on to Runa   As holiday albums go, The Tide of Winter is much more than a collection of standard Christmas tunes. Each of the 13 tracks here offers something a little bit unconventional. The first track, "Brightest and Best / Gaudete / Noel Nouvelet” starts out with voice as instrument, blended harmonies softly wafting around before things pick up speed midway through alongside a percussive beat. RUNA seems to enjoy challenging the listener by defying the more typical patterns one's ear has learned to expect in favor of going where the muse leads them. For example, you've never heard “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” done like this before! Those who enjoy a different take on things will want to pick this album up to go alongside their more tried-and-true favorites. It will provide just the right amount of contrast—as well as something to keep things interesting.   Track 3, "Christ Child Lullaby / Dún do Shúil” offers a hymn/lullaby that's blended in three languages; English, Irish Gaelic, and the original Scots Gaelic. This provides an additional soothing feel alongside the comforting rhythm of the lullaby itself. It's a nice take, a simple arrangement, and an interesting inclusion. Very easy on the ears. Juxtapose that track with the next, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, which features a funky vibe and a perky, upbeat sound and you have the perfect way to sum up this grouping of songs…non-traditional, yet intriguing!   It's very tough to be experimental—without being too experimental. After all, part of the charm of holiday music is the fact that it's familiar. That said, RUNA doesn't abandon the thread entirely, they merely embellish on it in their own way—which seems to be a great way to compromise. In all, the band isn't intent on exploring just for the sake of being different. You get the sense that they are doing it to create depth, and to be true to the perspective that has developed within them as musicians.   Their “Instrumental Medley” both pays homage to Christmas music and showcases the skill of the musicians, and while “Silent Night” maybe isn't as predictable as the standard radio holiday version, it's every bit as lovely—as well as a nod to the Austrian “Stille Nacht”. The band's liner notes sum this choice up well, saying, There is something magical about returning to the roots of such an iconic carol and to rediscover the beauty and depth in its simplicity.” And, indeed, there is.   This album is perfect for those looking to expand their collection of holiday music, without having things become too repetitive. You'll find fresh arrangements throughout, and enough holiday spirit to go around the table—twice.   Find out more about Runa at runamusic.com.   If you hear music you love, then support the artists. Buy something from them. Sign up to their mailing lists. And share the episode with your friends on social or in your community.     The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is supported by the generosity of Celtic music fans like you over on Patreon. Get Christmas Cheer. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com . Nollaig shona daoibh.      

On this episode Simon K speaks to Kevin Walsh & Daragh O'Conchuir. Kevin Walsh is a former Irish Gaelic footballer and former manager of the Galway footballers. He won three All Stars and two All-Ireland Senior Football Championships in his inter-county career with Galway. He also served as manager of the senior Sligo county team from 2008 to 2013. Daragh Ó Conchúir is  a freelance sports journalist, author, editor and analyst/commentator, who works in print and online media as well as television and radio. He was the Chief Features Writer with The Irish Field for 6 years He is the current Editor of Irish Racing Yearbook Content Provider for The Camogie Association CoAuthor with Kevin Walsh — The Invisible Game' For any Irish-based viewers/listeners - we would encourage going to your local bookshop or that shop's website. Shop Local, support the local economy. https://www.bookstation.ie/product/the-invisible-game/ https://www.easons.com/Search?q=the invisible game https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Game-Kevin-Walsh-ebook/dp/B08Q5Y4X31/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+invisible+game&qid=1620818093&sr=8-2 https://www.growcoach.ie     Support us!

Good morning, it's Thursday, April 22nd and this is The Herald Review's podcast, the Daily Chirp. We're excited to bring you a closer look at top stories, events in the community, local history, sports, and more.    Today - Undocumented migrants were recently discovered hiding in Benson High School parking lot. Parents, law enforcement, and Benson Mayor Joe Konrad are speaking up.   Before we begin, some local history.   April 22nd began just like every other day in 1970, except that it wasn't like every other day. It was Earth Day! And it marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement.   Earth day was the end result of a yearlong idea by a junior Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson. Nelson's idea was to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution.    He enlisted the help of a conservation minded Republican Congressman, Pete McCloskey as co-chair and together they recruited activist Denis Hayes to organize college campus teach-ins about the environment.    But why April 22nd? It was perfect since it fell between Spring Break and Final Exams. They were hoping to maximize the greatest number of student participation.   The special day inspired about 10% of the population at that time, so 20 million Americans, to take to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against all of what 150 years of industrial development progress had brought to the impact of health.   So today, don't forget to check out the Sierra Vista farmers market to join them for a celebration.   Today's history is brought to you by Benson Hospital. The team at Benson Hospital is always working towards building a healthier community. For example, when the Benson Food Pantry needed a new home, they worked with them to find one, and their staff even helped them apply for grants to support the mission. You can learn more about everything they're doing for our community by following them on Facebook at facebook.com/bensonhospital.   Also, The Daily Chirp podcast is giving away 5 Amazon Echo Dots - one every month now through July. You can enter for your chance to win twice a day! Today's code is SHOWERS and find the other codeword in our “Daily Chirp Podcast Alert” e-newsletter. To enter the sweepstakes go to myheraldreview.com, again today's codeword is: SHOWERS   -   Now, our feature story.    On Friday around 9:15 at night Benson police officers responded to a call. It involved undocumented immigrants who were hiding under cars in the Benson High School parking lot.    Police Chief Paul Moncada said that officers found a vehicle with a U.S. citizen and a passenger, along with three undocumented immigrants. They were detained. the chief said. Three other undocumented aliens immigrants north from the school.   That's when Benson Police officers and Cochise County Sheriff's Office deputies searched for the three who fled on foot. But according to Moncada they couldn't find them.   Border Patrol was contacted and said they'd be there in an hour.   But after the hour passed, they still weren't there. So they were contacted again and gave yet another one-hour ETA.   So Benson PD decided to reach out to a Border Patrol agent who was in the area instead. And that agent contacted a supervisor. Ultimately they were told that Border Patrol wouldn't respond at all. At that point, all three detained subjects were released.   It all started when a high school student discovered undocumented migrants hiding under his car. The student's parent sent out a warning on social media.   It said  -- quote “kids, after games, be safe. Watch your surroundings at all times. Illegals are everywhere now. The baseball team is aware of this. Pass the word to softball, track and tennis. Sadly, this is just the beginning of illegals in parking lots, neighborhoods, etc..”   Benson School District Superintendent Micah Mortensen also sent a letter home to parents, describing the incident.   The letter stated that as part of the school's safety protocols, coaches will remain with students until every student has safely departed campus.   Mortensen went on to ask that parents encourage their children to report all incidents or situations that make them uncomfortable, saying that we must all be vigilant in order to keep our children safe.   Benson Mayor Joe Konrad weighed in on the situation as well. He expressed concerns about what he described as “an escalating UDA problem” and its impact on border communities.   Konrad noted that it seems like Border Patrol's hands are tied, and citizens are going to have to be vigilant and take extra precautions to stay safe. He said that people need to call the police when they see something that seems out of place.   Konrad also said police officers aren't getting the support they need from federal officials. Especially once they determine they have detained migrants who are in the country illegally.   Police officers are sworn to enforce Arizona law, but have no jurisdiction in immigration matters.    To Konrad, this immigration issue is a huge problem, and it's only going to get worse if the border crisis continues. It's very disheartening.   You can learn more on this story by visiting us at myheraldreview.com.   - Thanks for listening, before we continue, a quick message from our sponsors, Prestige Family Living.    Next, we'd like to highlight Mike Frosco, Bisbee High School's retiring athletics director.    Today's episode is brought to you by ApexNetwork Physical Therapy. ApexNetwork Physical Therapy is the leading choice for individualized physical therapy in a warm and comfortable environment. They offer a wide range of services like Manual Therapy, Industrial Rehab, Dry Needling, Golf Rehab and more. To learn more, go to ApexNetworkPT.com.   What do you give a man who is retiring after 50 years of service to Bisbee High School athletics?   Well, the Bisbee High School Alumni Association has a great idea to honor retiring athletics director Mike Frosco — a plaque at Warren Ballpark dedicating the field to him.   It was alumnus Snoody Borowiec that presented the idea to the board of the Bisbee Unified School District.   And proud Pumas alumnus Don Bays said he met Frosco back in 1958 when the coach allowed newcomers to try out. Frosco was one of them.   Bays says that he was a senior when he met Frosco on the first day of practice. He described him as a frail, scrawny looking kid with a permanent, built-in smile. Bays said that he was very quickly proven wrong about Frosco's athletic ability. He was an outstanding player every year.    Bays noted that he doesn't think there's anyone more deserving to have his name attached to the field than Mike. Coach Frosco is Mr. Baseball.   After college Frosco returned to BHS as an educator and a coach. As a coach he was inducted into the Arizona Hall of Fame. He coached three state championship teams, had 23 state tournament appearances, was awarded 11 Coach of the Year titles and had 555 career team wins.   Then when he gave up coaching, he continued to be involved with the kids in the entire school district as director of athletics.   Frosco also has been involved in getting funds to improve Warren Ballpark.   Ultimately, the school board's decision to honor Coach Frosco would be a tribute to a man who touched many young men's lives.   The final decision to follow the recommendation of the alumni to dedicate the field to Frosco will be made at the board meeting on May 11th.   Next up the Community Food Pantry of Benson has added something new to its list of services. brought to you by our sponsors, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.   [New sponsor audio message]   The Community Food Pantry of Benson has added something new to its list of services.   As part of its monthly cooking class, they now have community resource presenters. The presenters will inform residents about different services they might need.   The cooking class is the third Friday of the month, and last Friday they had two representatives from SEAGO - SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization - who talked about how to access programs for caregivers and seniors.    Because of COVID, Friday's presentation was their first in-person outreach session in over a year.   This was a very welcome change. Throughout the pandemic outreach has been hard for the organization. Some seniors and caregivers were faced with computer literacy barriers and struggled with devices and the internet.   But they overcame the challenges and built a program called Trualta that they're rolling out soon.   It's a skill-based online learning portal designed for families and caregivers. It'll include articles, videos and professional-level training.   Ultimately SEAGO's goal is to support seniors and people with disabilities so they can maintain their independence safely at home.   Finally, today we're remembering the life of    John Michael Donnelly. He was born in San Diego, California, the youngest of 5 children. He was a “surprise” child - 19 years younger than his older brother, Donald. He grew up in San Diego and graduated from St. Augustine High School. John made the decision to enter the Carmelites and conducted his initial studies in the San Francisco Bay area. Later, he studied in Ireland and in Rome for the priesthood, where he earned a master's degree in Theology. He took the Sacrament of Holy Orders in 1967 in Rome, and took the name Kevin, which is the name many people knew him by as an adult.   In the early 1970's, Reverend Donnelly met Susan Mullaney and made the decision to leave the priesthood to marry, in the sincere belief that priests ought to be allowed to marry and in the hope that it wouldn't be long before that change occurred. Susan brought three children into the marriage, Lisa, Laurie and Bruce. And together they had a son named Kevin. When Susan's health began to fail, they made the decision to move from northern California, where they met, to southeastern Arizona, where Susan lived as a child. They were married for 43 years.   In 1987, John was accepted into the Episcopal Church as a priest. After several years in pastoral ministry at St. Alban's in Tucson, and the Church of the Transfiguration in Apache Junction, John served as a chaplain for the Arizona State Prison at Douglas, ministering to an inmate population of over 2,000 individuals for 20 years.    He loved to sing, and played the piano, guitar and cornet. He was well known for his gentleness, being very approachable and humble, with a wry sense of humor. John spoke French, Italian, Spanish, Latin and was conversant in Irish Gaelic.   After his cherished wife, Susan, passed in 2016, John reconciled with the Catholic Church. The day before his death, two Carmelite friars visited him, and he renewed his vows as a Carmelite.    His son Kevin commented that his dad was glowing with happiness at renewing his vows. By the next morning, Divine Mercy Sunday, John was on his way to sing with the angels.   Thanks for tuning in to the Herald Review podcast today, join us again on Friday! And remember, the Herald Review is here for you with local news you can trust. For more information on any of the stories you heard about today, visit us at myheraldreview.com. Right now you can become a member starting at just $1.99 per week. We also encourage you to rate and review our podcast on Apple Podcasts! Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I have a special Valentine's day treat for you this episode with a tender love story between a gnome named Gus and a dwarf named Galaxi. I am so excited about it. Also, you will meet, indirectly, Mrs. Whittaker's fairy godteacher colleagues, Mrs. McBride, math teacher, and Mr. Teasdale, drama teacher. You will also be introduced to the members of the Dog Hobble Trio: Gus, whom I've already mentioned, along with Ralph, a human, and Ben, a boojum. But the very best part of this episode is you get to hear my daughter sing, in Irish Gaelic!!!! Pretty cool, huh? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/katie-winkler2/support

Grainne goes to school in 1980s Dublin when it's all nuns and compulsory Irish Gaelic. Not a good place to be dyslexic, especially if you've never heard the word "dyslexia" let alone understand its meaning. Grainne's dream is to be zoologist and to get there she uproots to Australia. Her challenges follow her here, but a developing love of magpies and other native birds helps Grainne find her own voice and, eventually, the people who appreciate her unique read on the world.

Framing Whiteness in Liberation pt. 1 WHBLE founder, Ah-Keisha McCants talks with Applied Theatre Practitioner and Project Director at the CUNY Creative Arts Team (CAT) Mícheál Curtin about the surfacing the awareness of white identity, centering antiracism and history, the role of capitalism, the brilliance of arts educators, and the tensions around pedagogies and practices on the journey towards educational liberation. Mícheál Curtin is an applied theatre practitioner from Brooklyn, New York who specializes in drama-in-education, process drama, theatre of the oppressed, and devised theatre. His work centers on creating theatre in response to communities' needs as a way of en-livening conversation, making meaning, and developing theory. He is currently a Project Director at the CUNY Creative Arts Team (CAT), where he directs a theatre-in-education program in six high schools around New York City. With the Literacy through Drama team at CAT, Mícheál and six multi-ethnic actor-teachers develop theatre workshops around topics such as romantic and sexual relationships, policing and racist systems, loyalty, the power of language, immigration, and isolation. The team creates curriculum in response to the young people's interests, needs, and concerns. For this reason they sometimes focus on skill-building around communication, self-efficacy, study skills, and career & college readiness. A speaker of Irish Gaelic, Mícheál works periodically in Ireland toward the revitalization of the language, whose speakership has declined over the centuries (from 100% to about 3% of the population) as a result of colonialism by the English. He uses drama, storytelling, and popular education methodologies in native-speaker communities as well as in learner communities to teach the language as well as generate dialogue and meaning around it. “I have found that learning my ancestral language has given me a surer footing in my work at home in the US.” Mícheál has also done applied theatre work in Rwanda with the CUNY School of Professional Studies M.A. in Applied Theatre (2011, 12), with Latinx communities in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, with LGBTQIA+ youth at The Door (a youth center in Manhattan), and in countless public schools around New York City as a teaching artist. He proudly holds an M.A. in Applied Theatre from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Mícheál dreams of a world in which “everyone, myself included, is free to love, enjoy, celebrate, and create. I believe the biggest barriers to achieving this are white supremacist capitalism and neocolonialism. I believe that our ability to play, imagine, and create together are powerful assets in the struggle to dismantle these forces.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whble/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whble/support

Visit the Wiki! Before you listen to this particular episode, or while you are listening, OR after you listen, make sure you visit the In Death Wiki on Fandom.com! Howdy, Everyone! In this episode, we take a look at the "In Death Wiki" that is now available on Fandom.com. For those of you who don't know what a Wiki is, just think about Wikipedia! A Wiki is essentially an online encyclopedia. If you are an EDD geek at heart like AJ is, you know that you can start your own wiki on any subject, on your own website or on sites like Fandom.com. We go over the history of the "In Death Wiki." We give a shout out to "Erryyn," a member of the now defunct InDeath.net, who practically built up our Wiki on her own, and we are so grateful for her help. Erryyn, if you are out there reading this: Thank You! Also: get in touch with us! We would love to talk to you again! Anyway...the "In Death Wiki" can help answer practically ANY question you may have about the series. BUT..Here's the best part: Any one of you can add any information to the wiki that you feel is important. The whole point of a wiki is to make the information easily accessible, and easy to add to and edit. The point above is so important because the wiki gets better the more people who are willing to help out and add stuff. We can really use all the help we can get with this. It's actually pretty easy to add stuff, and if you have questions, just send us a message here, or on any of our social media accounts, and we will help as best as we can. Also: Don't worry about screwing something up, that's nearly impossible! AJ can fix anything that might get screwed up...the important thing is for you to ADD STUFF!! For the rest of the podcast we go over what kind of information you can find on the wiki, and below is a list of where you can find those pages: Nora Quotes - Things Nora has said about the series, or questions she has answered. In Death Books in Order of Release In Death Chronology - A timeline of events in the "In Death" World. In Death Glossary - A list of terms used in the books. Book Covers - Blue Lady, New York Landmark, and what we call the "Neon" covers. History as it relates to the "In Death" world. In Death Laws Injuries in Death Eve and Summerset's Insults Eve's Creative Threats The Candy Thief Roarke's History Roarke's Mansion List of All Characters Page for Jake Kincade that AJ just added Gaelic in Death - A list of some of the Irish Gaelic words and phrases used in the books

Judy was one of our good friends from the "In Death Dot Net" days. She has been reading the series since day one when she found "Naked in Death" (with an original "Blue Lady" cover) at a Barnes and Noble in New Jersey. We (yet again) discuss the "In Death" audiobooks and how Judy and AJ love Susan Ericksen, and how if you are someone who is not a fan of Eve, listen to the audiobooks and see if you change your mind. Judy gives us a breakdown of Eve and Roarke's characters and why they work together, even though they're both strong "alpha" characters. AJ highly recommends that any of our listeners who are fans of the romance genre listen to the Fated Mates podcast. It's one of the best podcasts out there for romance readers. We talk about whether or not Roarke is an Anti-Hero, and should Eve and Roarke have a baby? Or is this series just about Eve and Roarke and how they are stronger together, and maybe their HEA is just that, and doesn't require a baby. For those who want to know what Nora has said about Eve and Roarke having a baby, please visit the "In Death Wiki" at Fandom.com. Is Eve unlikeable as a character? Or is she like the Tin Man in the "Wizard of Oz," and we judge her heart not by how much she loves, but by how much she is loved by others. Some of our Instagram followers tell us about their favorite Eve and Roarke scenes. We all decide that "Portrait in Death" is a fantastic book, and we're looking forward to reading it for the Podcast. We all decided we love Nadine Furst's boyfriend, Jake Kincade, who is introduced in "Apprentice in Death." We also decide that Eve and Roarke need to have another big fight, and we're hopeful that maybe the next book coming out, "Shadows in Death" might have that. Jen says that one of her online friends has already read "Shadows in Death" and says that it's amazing, so everyone pre-order it!! AJ puts the call out to any of our listeners who are native Irish/Gaelic speakers: we would love to have an Irish speaker on the podcast to give us a mini-lesson on the language and talk about the words Roarke uses in the series. If you want to be that person, Contact Us!! AJ makes the announcement that all the Fan Fiction from "In Death Dot Net" is still in the queue to be uploaded to Archive Of Our Own. Hopefully, that will be finished soon, and we will let everyone know when they are available. Judy says that if you pick up her book, "Right Turn, Wrong Heart," you might recognize that the main character is a lot like Jen! All of her books are available on Amazon.com, and you can learn more about Judy on her website, JudyKentrus.com. Judy is also on Facebook, and has a Facebook Group, Judy's Gems. She's also on Instagram and Twitter.

Bob Burke discovered the Irish language in his 40s. Was that too old to start to learn to speak Irish? Not at all! Listen to this discussion podcast (in English), and you'll hear how Bob's lovely spoken Irish Gaelic is. Bob is the former president of the North American Association for Celtic Language Teachers. What … Not Too Old to Start with Bob Burke (Ep. 50) Read More »The post Not Too Old to Start with Bob Burke (Ep. 50) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Get insights into Irish Gaelic's positive future in Ireland and in Irish society. Broadcaster Conn Ó Muíneacháin grew up with a passion for the Irish language. He came to the conclusion that he had to create content in the Irish language through blogs and podcasts to strengthen his ties to the language. What you'll hear: … Irish Will Live with Conn Ó Muíneacháin (Ep. 48) Read More »The post Irish Will Live with Conn Ó Muíneacháin (Ep. 48) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Discussion podcast about learning to speak Irish Gaelic (in English). Imelda White is from Ard a' Ratha in County Donegal, Ireland. She has taught Irish language classes in California for several decades. What you'll hear Imelda's kind encouragement and words of wisdom to learners of Irish Gaelic who feel stuck Reasons to attend a Deireadh … From Donegal to California with Imelda White (Ep. 47) Read More »The post From Donegal to California with Imelda White (Ep. 47) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Discussion podcast with Michael Carragher who grew up in New York. During his childhood, his family would travel over to their relations back in Ireland. Michael is the president of the Irish Family History Forum, and got interested in Irish Gaelic through his interest in genealogy. What you'll hear How country life has changed over … Childhood in Monaghan with Michael Carragher (Ep. 30) Read More »The post Childhood in Monaghan with Michael Carragher (Ep. 30) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Hear about traveling to Ireland to speak the Irish language, with Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, founder of Oideas Gael. Liam and Eoin discuss the past, present and future of the Gaeltacht regions (where Irish Gaelic is spoken in some communities). You'll realize why it's so important that you're part of this movement to speak Ireland's native … Gaeltacht's Future with Liam Ó Cuinneagáin (Ep. 29) Read More »The post Gaeltacht's Future with Liam Ó Cuinneagáin (Ep. 29) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Listen back to the Best-Of Bits of the Bitesize Irish Gaelic Podcast with Eoin. It's hard to believe that our little discussion show podcast has been running for a year already. Our objective is to bring learnings of the Irish language closer together, no matter you're located. It's been a fantastic reading your comments on … Best-Of Bits of Bitesize Irish Gaelic Podcast's First Year (Ep. 27) Read More »The post Best-Of Bits of Bitesize Irish Gaelic Podcast's First Year (Ep. 27) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Dineen Grow has spent years helping others around her who also share her enthusiasm for speaking Irish Gaelic. What you'll hear How to reach out to others if you feel alone and trying to learn to speak Irish: Start something! What band got her interested in the Irish language in the … Start something, with Dineen Grow (Ep. 23) Read More »The post Start something, with Dineen Grow (Ep. 23) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Ireland has been through some turbulent times, and the Irish language (Irish Gaelic) is not exception. Eoin is joined this week by Fin Dwyer of Irish History Podcast. Fin is an historian living in Dublin. What you'll hear How Dublin city was established, settled, and expanded The arrival of the Vikings Life in Ireland after … Life in Medieval Ireland with Fin Dwyer (Ep. 22) Read More »The post Life in Medieval Ireland with Fin Dwyer (Ep. 22) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Listen to answers of fantastic listener and member questions about learning to speak the Irish language (Irish Gaelic). What you'll hear Summer courses you can attend in Irish Saying where you're from Intricacies of Scottish Gaelic, from an Irish Gaelic perspective Story of an Australian living in New Zealand who uses Irish on the locals … Where can I attend Irish language summer courses and other listener questions (Ep. 19) Read More »The post Where can I attend Irish language summer courses and other listener questions (Ep. 19) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Have you been confused seeing some written Irish language, and having no idea how to pronounce it? Would you like to be able to say “goodbye” in Irish Gaelic? If so, listen to this episode of Bitesize Irish Gaelic Podcast for these and more listener questions with Eoin. What you'll hear How to say “goodbye” … How to say goodbye in Irish, and other listener questions (Podcast 014) Read More »The post How to say goodbye in Irish, and other listener questions (Podcast 014) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Are you learning Irish on your own? Do you feel like there's no way to get into learning some Irish in your everyday life? Audrey Nickel shares five top tips to practicing Irish Gaelic on a daily basis. And you don't need to be an advanced learner to practice these tips. Audrey recommends you make … Five Tips for Practicing Irish Daily (Ep. 12) Read More »The post Five Tips for Practicing Irish Daily (Ep. 12) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Listen to Eoin discuss listener questions and emails around the Irish language (Irish Gaelic) in Ireland. If you feel that deep connection for Ireland, and plan on visiting, or have visited, then you'll learn about seeking the Irish language out. What you'll hear Whether you'll be understood in the Gaeltacht regions if you learn standardized … Will I understand people in the Gaeltacht regions of Ireland? (Ep. 5) Read More »The post Will I understand people in the Gaeltacht regions of Ireland? (Ep. 5) first appeared on Bitesize Irish.Support the showGo to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá