The Transatlantic Connection That Inspired a Tribal Anthem: An encounter in Galway 20 years ago led Steve Earle to write one of his most beloved songs. Today, the connection between this small Irish city and Americana music remains. ℘℘℘ Walking along the Claddagh Quay, I turned toward the Salthill Promenade as an onshore gust whipped my jacket to my chest. The lyrics bouncing … [Read more...] about Galway Girl
Issues
Wild Irish Women: Isadora Duncan
An American pioneer of dance and an important figure in both the arts and history, Isadora Duncan was known as the “Mother of Modern Dance.” "Sans Limites" Oh, body swayed to music, Oh, brightening glance. How can we know the dancer from the dance?" – William Butler Yeats, "Among School Children" "She was a flame sheath of flesh made for dancing." – Carl Sandburg, Breathing … [Read more...] about Wild Irish Women: Isadora Duncan
The Passion of the San Patricios
Irish America looks back at the legacy of St. Patrick’s Battalion, an honor-bound group of Irishmen that championed the cause of the smaller Mexican force against the might of the American army during the Mexican-American War. “You have to understand that we Mexicans and Irish are very sentimental,” said the slight, grandmotherly figure, leaning forward in a high-backed living … [Read more...] about The Passion of the San Patricios
The One-Armed Pitcher
A one-armed Irishman with a bat... It just sounds problematic. And baseball player Hugh “One Arm” Daily was indeed a problematic guy. His predicament made it impossible for him to succeed as a hitter, but despite his handicap, he managed to have a career as a pitcher in baseball’s major leagues. Far more than a curiosity, he was for a couple of years a top-tier pitcher whose … [Read more...] about The One-Armed Pitcher
Sláinte! Rainy Day Comfort
"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." – Anonymous When people who live elsewhere than Los Angeles phone me and ask “How’s the weather?” I often reply, “What do mean ‘weather’? We only have sun.” Call me an ingrate for grousing about the bounty of sunny days we experience, but constant sunshine has a real downside. Drought. The natural … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Rainy Day Comfort