Today's Topic: St. Patty's Day!

Is green beer safe? 5 Things you MUST know for St. Patrick's Day 2008

Find out with a few things you probably didn't know about St. Patrick's Day...

5 St. Patrick's Day 2008 Facts

1. Irish Music=U2?
No, you don't have to pretend to like U2 or Sinead O'Connor just because it's St. Patrick's Day. In addition to free Celtic and Irish music downloads, there are plenty of other Irish bands to check out-including political rockers Black 47, rowdy pub brawlers the Pogues and mellower countrymen the Frames (leader Glen Hansard just won an Oscar for his work with Marketa Irglova in the movie musical, Once (soundtrack downloads here)).

2. Is Green Beer Safe?
While the green food coloring added to beer is harmless, the fact that the green stuff is usually added to low quality brew is nearly sacrilegious. On this holiday celebrating all things Irish, it's best to drink a responsible amount of a quality beverage, like the traditional Guinness, rather than to gorge on green bargain beer (it might seem like a good idea, but you'll pay for it Tuesday morning). Historically speaking, it might be wise to avoid British brews as well.

3. Where's the best St. Patrick's Day Parade?
St. Patrick's Day comes from Ireland, but the largest parade for the day is held in New York City, features over 150,000 participants and is viewed by over 2 million spectators. The first official one in NYC was held in 1766, making in the second-longest running in the country, second to Boston, where the parade debuted in 1737. Of course, the folks of Dublin, Ireland likely have rights the title of best parade, even if it isn't the biggest.

4. Where are the Shamrock Shakes?
While it really has nothing to do with Ireland or St. Patrick, Shamrock Shakes became a St. Patrick's Day tradition for McDonald's fans in 1980s. The fast-food chain made the lightly mint flavored shake available from February to March in recognition of St. Patrick's Day. However, in recent years the novelty shakes have become increasingly hard to come by, inspiring fans to launch websites such as this in an attempt to bring back the treat, or finding out where it's offered.

5. Do You Have to Wear Green?
Many revelers choose to wear green on this day as a tribute to the Emerald Isle, but it's perfectly acceptable to wear any of the colors represented in the Irish flag-green, white and orange.

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Have a wonderful and fun St. Patrick's Day... be safe!

xoxo,

Sisanie