Frank Emerson: News

I'm Tired by Robert A. Hall
Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts state senate. He blogs at www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com
I'll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth around" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congresscritters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them-with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women's rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won't multiculturalism be beautiful?

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor;" of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers;" of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery;" of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I believe "a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin." I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush's military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his, that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn't vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need.

I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people then themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years-and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found
in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers-bums are bi-partisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois, where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats and Republicans has worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination, or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to get to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.

Here's hoping you and yours have a wonderful Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Some information for you starts just below.

Frank

Xerox allows you to choose and they will send Christmas postcards, designed by school children, to servicemen and women overseas. Doesn't cost you anything. Website below

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Some Suggestions for Presents:

SGT Klay South, USMC founded this organization to help severely wounded (Level 1 Trauma) servicemen and servicewomen readjust to life. Donate at this website below.

http://www.veteransofvalor.org/

Challenge Coin from Kevin Barry's in Savannah. Kevin Barry's Pub Logo on one side, crests of all branches of the armed forces on the other side surround the Department of Defense crest..
$10 cost. All money goes to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Contact them at the website below.

http://www.kevinbarrys.com/
The wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. You can order a wreath from them whether for yourself or in as part of "A Patriot Pair" like I did, wherein you get one and another is sent to rest on a soldier's grave. The link to the site is just below.

www.Worcesterwreath.com

My pals Babe Heffron and Wild Bill Guarnere of Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne have a great book out about their experiences in World War II. Here's a link to their book

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?r=1&ISBN=9780425217283&ourl=Brothers-in-Battle-Best-of-Friends%2FWilliam-Wild-Bill-Guarnere

My pal and collaborator, Bob Slaughter, 116th Infantry, 29th Division has this wonderful book about his experiences from D-Day onward. Here's a link to his book.

http://www.omahabeachandbeyond.com

On a more light-hearted side, This book, "Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales from the Irish Music Trenches" was written by Dennis O'Rourke, Harry O'Donoghue, Robbie O'Connell, Seamus Kennedy and me. It's pretty funny and mostly true. You can read an excert at my website, www.frankemerson.com or you can order it at the website below.

www.cleancabbage.com
Amy Meade is the best mystery writer I know! If your're a fan of period-piece mysteries featuring the likes of Nora and Nick Charles, Miss Marple, Ellery Queen, Hercule Poirot or even Jessica Fletcher, you've got to get to know Marjorie McClelland. You can find out more and order through her website below.

http://www.amypatriciameade.com
Of course, if you're in a jam, you might consider any of my existing records:

"Safe in the Harbour", "Dear Sarah", "There's a Story Told" or "A Christmas Postcard"

All of these can be heard, downloaded or outright purchased through my website: www.frankemerson.com

Hello All There -

Couple of quick updates:

1. The 4th Annual "Gaels of Music" Variety Concert Fundraiser to benefit the Eddie Ivie Scholarship for Study in Ireland is scheduled for 13 October at the Emma Kelly Theate in the Averitt Centre for the Arts in Statesboro, Georgia. All information including ticket prices, show time, coach fare from Savannah, meet and greet session with performers is available at the Emerald Eddie Society WebPage (www.emeraldeddie.com).

Performers include:
Gabriel Donohue
Danny Ray Cole
Harry O'Donoghue
Frank Emerson
Johnnie Kennedy
Irish Dancers of Savannah
Special Performances by Music Majors from Georgia Southern University

2. Performing that night at Kevin Barry's Pub - actually filling in for me - is our great pal and fabulous musician Carroll Brown. We'll all be heading back there after the concert to have a nightcap and maybe even sit in with Carroll, unbeknownst to him.

3. The World War II Monument, "A World Apart" to be erected just across River Street from Kevin Barry's is still in need of donations. As an attachment, I've enclosed a jpeg of an order form. The form is for an enscribed brick to be made a permanent part of the monument, honoring a World War II veteran in your family. The whole thing is sponsored by the Veterans Council of Chatham County, Georgia. You can get all sorts of information at their website (www.veteranscouncilofchathamcounty.com).

4. In remembrance of all military lives lost and altered in defense of and preservation of the United States, have a look at Honor and Remember (www.honorandremember.org).

That's about it for now. I'll be performing at Kevin Barry's on 12, 14 and 15 October.

Take care, drop a line and maybe even come see a show.

All the best,

Frank

Dates have been added to my calendar for 2010. You'll notice that most of my work at this point is at Kevin Barry's Pub in Savannah. The reason is that's all I have booked at this point. I'm hoping for an odd festival or another pub or two, but in the mean time I'm not wasting what creative talents there may be left in this old noggin. While not working on developing a perpetual motion machine and x-ray eyeglasses that can see through ANYTHING - although that does take up a good deal of my energies - I'm doing quite a bit of writing. It's for an SEO research company and even though it's not Pulitzer Prize material, it does bring in a few bob and I can do it right here while in my union suit.

That being the case, the crux of these updates, for the foreseeable future anyway, will have to do with the goings-on around and having to do with Kevin Barry's.

With that in mind, I'd like to let you know about a special organization. Below is the blurb from the website: www.emeraldeddie.com that explains things well.

The Emerald Eddie Society was established in 2006 as an informal group with the purpose of contributing to charitable organizations. The primary beneficiary being the Eddie Ivie Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Georgia Southern Foundation and the Center for Irish Studies at Georgia Southern University

The Society is named in honor of Eddie Ivie. Eddie fostered a love for the songs and stories of Ireland and he became a talented musician, songwriter and stage performer. following his untimely death in 2005 his parents, Vic and Cheryl Power chose to endow the Scholarship through GSU

It is the Mission of the Emerald Eddie Society to host event which mirror Eddie's passions and in turn raise money to promote the ideals by which he lived his life. One-hundred % of the profits from all events will be donated to the Center for Irish Studies and the stated secondary charity for each event.

There are two events scheduled over the next two months.

1. Halfway to St.Patrick's Day Party
Friday, 18 September 7-11PM
The Harp Irish Pub
1425 Market Blvd., Roswell, GA

Music by: Carroll Brown and Danny Ray Cole

2. Annual Gaels of Music Concert
Tuesday, 13 October 7:30 PM
Emma Kelly Theater - Averitt Center for the Arts
33 E. Main Street, Statesboro, GA
(912) 212-2787

Music by: Gabriel Donohue www.gabrieldonohue.com Danny Ray Cole www.dannyraycole.com Carroll Brown www.carrollbrownmusic.com Johnny Kennedy
Harry O'Donoghue www.harryodonoghue.com Frank Emerson www.frankemerson.com Irish Dancers of Savannah

Special appearances by: a selected musical performer from Georgia Southern, Butch Elmgren, Prof. Howard Keeley and past recipients of Eddie Ivie Memorial Scholarships

On that same evening, "Seldom Sober" - consisting of Colleen Settle and Mike Corbett. will be appearing at Kevin Barry's, to where we will all adjourn after the concert. Colleen and Mike also anchor the traditional seisuin every Sunday at Kevin Barry's from 6:30 - 8:45. Singers, players and listeners welcome.

Information on the concert and bus schedule from Savannah to Statesboro can be had at 912-233-9626 - that's the phone number of Kevin Barry's.(www.kevinbarrys.com)

ON OTHER FRONTS:

1. The Mojave Desert War Memorial Cross (www.donttearmedown.com) For their own reasons, the ACLU is seeking to have a cross removed from a rugged tor by the side of a highway in the Mojave Desert. Erected in 1934 in remembrance of World War I fallen comrades, it has come to symbolize all vets. Please read about this battle and draw your own conclusions at the website.

2. "A World Apart" is the title given to the forthcoming World War II Memorial to be erected on Rousakis Plaza, across River Street from Kevin Barry's Pub. Donations are still needed to see that this worthwhile and suitable memorial is put in place post haste. The Veteran's Council of Chatham County website (www.veteranscouncilofchathamcounty.com) as a great deal of information telling about how and in what way contributions and remembrances might be made and secured. In addition, Kevin Barry's Pub has two dedicated credit card machines whereby you can make a donation to the memorial fund any time you feel so moved while you're in the pub - usually in the midst of veterans of all ages. THE PUB TAKES NO MONEY WHATSOEVER FORM THESE DONATIONS..

3. Just finished a great book: "The Apostle" by Brad Thor (www.bradthor.com). I believe that by this book alone, he's got a lot of people "hoo-ahhing" and "oooh-rahing" him and likewise there are others who are spitting bile. This is definitely a non-fiction/fiction piece and it is right on the money.

I guess that's about it for now. I'll be heading back to Kevin Barry's for the week of 31 August - 6 September. (Although V-J day was 14 August, Formal Surrender Day is coming up on 2 September. I believe I'll sing a chorus or two of "Back in Nagasaki Where the Fellas Chew Tobacky and the Women Wicki-Wacki-Woo")

Please join me in keeping the troops in our thoughts and prayers.

Happy Independence Day to all of you. This is a little early because I wanted to let you know of a schedule change. Because of some complications and what not, I've had to opt out of my July appearance at Kevin Barry's. I was supposed to be there 29 June – 5 July. As it stands, I won't be able to be there then. Harry O'Donoghue has graciously agreed to take the week. I'll be back on stage there 10 - 16 August.



Have a look below at a statement read by Harry Truman on 4 July 1945. It doesn't sound arrogant to me. It sounds grateful to God - yep, Harry invoked Christianity while referencing America...how about that? - and pretty damned determined. Old Harry wasn't so bad. I believe he knew how to give'em hell and had a fair amount of experience doing it.



Below that is a short memorial in remembrance and thanks to Darrell "Shifty" Powers, a fine Southwest Virginian and member of the famous Easy Company of the 506th PIR. He passed away just the other week. He was a real good guy, an ordinary man (who happened to be a crack shot) and who did extraordinary things, while he was just - in his words -"trying to do what I was supposed to do." God bless you, Shifty. I was just talking to Babe Heffron. He and Wild Bill Guarnere miss you.



Newt Heisley obituary follows that. Don't know the name? You know his work.



I guess that's about it. Best to all of you. Happy Birthday, America.



Frank



Frank Emerson
790 E. Spiller Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
E-mail: femerson@embarqmail.com
Website: www.frankemerson.com www.ifreelance.com/pro/4448





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Statement to the Nation Delivered by President Harry S. Truman on July 4, 1945
Again this year we celebrate July 4 as the anniversary of the day one hundred and sixty-nine years ago on which we declared our independence as a sovereign people.

In this year of 1945, we have pride in the combined might of this nation which has contributed signally to the defeat of the enemy in Europe. We have confidence that, under Providence, we soon may crush the enemy in the Pacific. We have humility for the guidance that has been given us of God in serving His will as a leader of freedom for the world.

This year, the men and women of our armed forces, and many civilians as well, are celebrating the anniversary of American Independence in other countries throughout the world. Citizens of these other lands will understand what we celebrate and why, for freedom is dear to the hearts of all men everywhere. In other lands, others will join us in honoring our declaration that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Here at home, on this July 4, 1945, let us honor our Nation's creed of liberty, and the men and women of our armed forces who are carrying this creed with them throughout the world.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Darrell Powers, Dickenson County, Virginia 13 March 1923 - 17 June 2009





Veteran a part of ‘Band of Brothers’ - E Co. 2BN 506 PIR 101 ABN U.S. Army
SSGT Darrell “Shifty” Powers, who died at age 86, was a hero on the battlefield and to his family.

By Neil Harvey

In a 2001 interview with The Roanoke Times, Darrell “Shifty” Powers talked about some of his experiences during World War II.

Powers, a United States Army paratrooper and sharpshooter, belonged to Easy Company, part of the legendary 101st Airborne Division. He recalled a bitterly cold day in the Ardennes when he was able to draw down on a German sniper, sighting his target by the misty cloud of the man’s breath. He killed him with one shot.

“Right there,” he said, touching his forehead. “Between the eyes.”

But Powers, of Dickenson County, who died Wednesday of natural causes at age 86, was also reflective about such matters.

In the second-to-last episode of “Band of Brothers,” an HBO miniseries that documented Easy Company’s wartime exploits, Powers spoke on camera about the soldiers he fought and also hinted at the intrinsic tragedy of combat.

“We might have had a lot in common. He might’ve liked to fish, you know, he might’ve liked to hunt,” Powers said. “Of course, they were doing what they were supposed to do, and I was doing what I was supposed to do.

“But under different circumstances, we might have been good friends.”

Powers, who got the nickname “Shifty” playing basketball as a youngster, served three years in the Army during World War II and later worked as a machinist for Clinchfield Coal Corp. He found renewed notoriety when his military experiences were depicted on film and in the Stephen Ambrose book of the same name.

“He actually hadn’t talked about it, his war years, until the book came out,” said his daughter-in-law, Sandy Powers. “He gets fan mail from all over the world, and calls.”

“For me and my kids, it’s just amazing that our regular, sweet uncle was such a hero,” said his niece, Cheryl Gilliland of Roanoke. “It sure changed his life in later years. He went places and met people he never would have otherwise.”

Darrell Powers met a German soldier in 2005 who had fought against him at the notoriously brutal siege of Bastogne during the winter of 1944.

According to his son, Wayne, he had in September been scheduled to travel to Iraq to meet with U.S. soldiers, but health problems prevented it.

“He was so disappointed. He wanted to meet with the soldiers so badly,” Sandy Powers said.

One of his closest friends, Earl McClung, of Colorado, in 2001 called Darrell Powers “a heck of a good soldier and a heck of a good shot.”

“And he was there every time I looked up,” he added.

“Our family had four boys and one girl, and I’m the only one left,” said Powers’ sister, Gaynell Sykes of Roanoke, on Wednesday. “He was a great brother. I know he was great at a lot of other things, too — great father, great son, great husband.”


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Newt Heisley dies at 88; veteran designed POW/MIA flag
Heisley, an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, was a graphic designer for an ad agency when he sketched the stark black-and-white design featuring the words 'You Are Not Forgotten.'
By Valerie J. Nelson

May 20, 2009

Newt Heisley, a commercial artist who designed the Vietnam-era POW/MIA flag that came to symbolize the nation's concern for military personnel missing or held prisoner in modern conflicts, has died. He was 88.

Heisley, who was a World War II pilot, died Thursday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo., after years of failing health, said Jim Heisley, one of his two sons.

In 1971, Heisley was a graphic designer for a New Jersey advertising agency when he sketched the stark black-and-white images at the center of the flag -- the silhouette of a man with head bowed, a guard tower and a strand of barbed wire -- and the words "You Are Not Forgotten."

His client was Annin & Co., a major flag manufacturer that had been commissioned by the wife of a soldier missing in action. She had recognized the need for a symbol to represent the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.

"It was intended for a small group. . . . No one realized it was going to get national attention," Heisley said in 1997 in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The flag emblazoned with POW/MIA first flew over the White House in 1988. It was installed in 1989 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and is on permanent display.

In 1990, Congress adopted the flag as "the symbol of our nation's concern" for those missing and unaccounted for during U.S. military action in Southeast Asia.

Congress later mandated that the flag be flown at federal buildings and military installations six days a year, including Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

The flag's popularity has expanded more quickly than any other during the last 50 years, said Edward Mooney Jr., a flag expert and author in Palmdale.

To veterans organizations, the design has come to represent all U.S. troops missing in military conflicts dating to World War II.

The words that Heisley stretched across the bottom of the flag -- "You Are Not Forgotten" -- were inspired by his acute memories of piloting transport planes on long flights across the South Pacific during World War II.

While flying, he thought about "being taken prisoner and being . . . forgotten," he said in the 2002 book "Faith Under Fire." As he worked on flag sketches, "that experience came back to me, and I wrote down the phrase 'You are not forgotten.' "

The model for the captured soldier was his son Jeffrey, then 24, who had just returned from Marine training gaunt and sick with hepatitis.

While Heisley was "extremely, extremely proud" of designing the flag, he was embarrassed by the attention that came with it, said his son Jim.

"I didn't do it for personal gain or acclaim," Heisley told the Denver Post in 2002. "I did it for the men who were prisoners of war or missing in action. They're the real heroes."

Newton Foust Heisley was born Nov. 9, 1920, in Williamsport, Pa. His mother died when he was 4 months old, and he spent much of his childhood with grandparents.

At Syracuse University, he earned a degree in fine arts and met his future wife.

After graduating in the early 1940s, he was a graphic artist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and then enlisted in the Army Air Forces.

After the war, he spent 25 years at advertising agencies in New York City and New Jersey. Tiring of the big-city commute, he drove west with his wife, Bunny, looking for "greener pastures," said his son Jim.

"They pulled into Colorado Springs in the middle of the night. The next morning, he saw the view and said, 'Bunny, we're not going any further. This is it,' " his son recalled.

After moving to the town in 1972, Heisley opened an advertising agency with Jim. One of their projects was designing a pin for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics.

When Heisley retired in 1987, he rediscovered fine art, painting a Pawnee Indian chief and a scene from "Madame Butterfly," a favorite opera of his wife. Bunny died in 2005 at 84.

On smaller canvases -- his lapel, hat and license-plate frame -- Heisley showcased the POW/MIA image whose popularity, he once said, had gone beyond his "wildest dream."

In addition to his sons, Heisley is survived by his fiancee, Donna Allison, whom he had planned to marry Friday; a sister, Patricia Freshney; and a granddaughter.

Hello Everyone -

June is busting out all over - I told her to lay off the bon bons. Hope that helps everyone start off things with a smile. Sometimes it's hard to do these days, if you catch my drift.

Anyways - to quote my friend Pat Garvey, we're still getting drenched here in SW Virginia. Ireland may have its 40 shades of green but right now I think Appalachia has it beat. Trust you are all doing OK.

Kevin Barry's has its new website up and running, so that means their calendar is up to date and should be for a while at least.

Happy 234th Birthday to the U.S. Army. Below is the speech to be given on 14 June by ADM Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to commemorate the event.

JCS Speech
United States Army Birthday 2009
By Adm. Mike Mullen , Pentagon Sunday, June 14, 2009
The history of our Army is the history of America. And today, without question, our Army is the best fighting force this country has ever seen.

Whenever I have the opportunity to visit with you – our Soldiers, and our Army families – it’s hard not to feel exceptionally proud of the difference you are making as you defend our Nation and create security and stability around the globe.

It’s difficult as well to miss your fighting spirit and your remarkable resilience, which were so critical to turning the tide in Iraq, and remain indispensable as we shift our main effort to Afghanistan. Your legacy of success has always been paced by a trademark ability to learn and adapt. As you train and teach to those hard-earned lessons, you are writing the history of warfare, line by line.

Indeed, your versatility is indispensable to every facet of war – especially our efforts to prevent war itself – from building partners to defending our homeland. You know that no one can do this alone.

You also understand what eternal debts we owe our wounded, their families, and the families of the fallen. The Soldier’s Creed of “Never leave a fallen comrade” inspires a Nation to care for them with a commitment that is for life. And in this charge, as is true of so many others, you lead the way – “always fighting from the heart.”

On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it is an honor to wish our Army and Army families a happy 234th birthday. Hoo-ah!

To that I can only add "Ditto" and maybe even "Ooh-Rah!"

I'll be back at Kevin Barry's 29 June - 5 July. Hope to see you all. In the mean time, drop a note if you'd like.

Remember our troops.

God Bless for now,

Hello All -

We've had so much rain in SW Virginia recently that the ghost of Joe Penner kept showing up around the town asking people, "Wanna buy a duck?" At which point the ghosts of all the Marx Brothers - minus Uncle Karl - answered that question with a question,"Why a duck?" Sorry about those. I guess I've been watching too many late late movies.

Recently got back from a fine week's stay at Kevin Barry's (www.kevinbarrys.com) in Savannah. (Here's a recent review from a Mississippi Writer http://potsandplots.wordpress.com/. Just scroll down from the two recipes) I know; their calendar and all still isn't up. They are working on it. I've seen it and the whole site is going to be different. I'll let you know when it's back in service. Anyway, I had a great time at the pub and got to meet and re-meet some friends. This was the week when the Legends of Golf Tournament was held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa (oh yeah, there's a golf course there too) just across the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island. had a chance to meet and have some chatter with some of the people involved. I had met Butch Wilhelm a few years back in the pub. He is a PGA Tour Caddie - and a scratch handicap by the way. We had a couple of drinks with some of the other fellows and Butch very generously slipped me some complimentary duckets to the event. What a nice thing to do. I wasn't able to attend, but I passed them on to some friends who told me that they had a great time. Those Legends guys are high class and show it.

I got a chance to meet and spend a couple of evenings with the mystery writer Amy Patricia Meade (www.amypatriciameade.com) and her husband Steve Snider, the graphic designer. Talk about two very pleasant, charming people. Amy's work is well worth looking into. If you're a fan of 1930's-type whodunnits, Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock maybe even Jessica Fletcher, you're sure to get a charge out of Amy's work. Her novels consistently receive rave reviews - deservedly so. Have a look at her Snider-designed website for all sorts of information about Amy and her alter ego, Marjorie McClelland.

The 3rd Infantry Division - Audie Murphy's old outfit which is otherwise known as " The Rock of the Marne" and "The Dog Faced Soldiers" had their formal ball at the Westin. There were a ton of them came into Kevin Barry's afterwards along with their wives and dates. It's always a thrill for me to be breathing the same air as these people who continue to stand up for all of us. Bless 'em all. You who else feels that way? The actor D.B. Sweeney. He was all dickied up in a tuxedo and attended the event and came back to spend the rest of the evening at Kevin Barry's. He conducted himself as a gentleman and rightfully appeared to be as much of a fan of the soldiers as they were of him. He cheerfully chatted and posed for pictures with anyone who asked. He's done some pretty good stuff on film and his career stretches back nearly 25 years and continues great guns - as it should. He's definitely OK.

Got a note from Walt Harper, Commander Post #1943 of the Catholic War Vets. The Savannah World War II Memorial is about to get the go-ahead from the City Council. Looks like all roadblocks have been cleared and it will be erected just across River Street from Kevin Barry's. The ground breaking will be at 3:00 PM (1500) on Memorial Day and the dedication will be on Veterans' Day 11 November 09, according to Bill Quinan Chairman of the Savannah-Chatham Veterans Council.

I guess that's about it for now. As you can probably tell, for a while now, my engagements have been somewhat limited. That's partially by choice. I play regularly at Kevin Barry's - there's a news flash - and wouldn't give it up for all the tea in China. The rest of the time, I'm doing the odd festival or concert and even a pub here and there and continue to do some writing - some magazine articles - some of which see the light of pages, some routines and toasts, maybe even a song and for an SEO company out of California which is more like indentured servitude...but educational, challenging and educational. As a consequence, I'm always looking for work.

Take care for now. I'll be back at Kevin Barry's 18-24 May (Covering Memorial Day Celebration) and then again 1-7 June (Covering 65th Observation of D-Day)

Hello All there -

I guess I recuperated enough to write this and you've recuperated enough to read it.

Had quite a craic over the week-or-so-long preparations and festivities for the paddy's Day goings on in Savannah. Carroll Brown, Harry O'Donoghue and I had quite the time holding forth with Vic Power and his terrific crew at Kevin Barry's. Glad to have shared the upstairs stage on Paddy's Day itself with Mike & Colleen Settle, who anchor the Savannah Ceilidh Band during the Sunday evening sessions at Kevin Barry's.

All through the time we got to see old friends from the police departments and fire departments of cities and states as far afield as The Big Apple, NY/NJ, Philly, Beantown, Chi, Cleveland, DC, FLA, and of course GA from Savannah to Atlanta to Augusta to Statesboro and beyond. Got to meet people from just about every state in the union as well as British North America (read: Canada). We all sang and laughed and had a couple of drinks and, as my old friend Michael Joyce - The Roving Galway Boy - used to put it, "schwetted to beat the band"!

This was the 185th St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah and the Grand Marshal, Fr. Patrick O'Brien, and his Aides frequented the pub on several occasions over the time. I think they might have been checking to see if we were all still compos mentis. We were - more or less.

Gratified to see so many locally stationed soldiers from the 1st Ranger BN , the 160th AVN BN and 3rd ID since they weren't deployed in numbers as they have been over Paddy's Days in recent years. Also got visited by the US Coast Guard by was of the USCGC Tarpon and USCGC Sea Dragon who were in port over the time. We also had contingents from the Air Force, Navy and Marines - (including a couple of Sr. DIs from San Diego MCRD, 2nd BN. They're very pleasant fellows....now)

The Concert at The Pulaski Theatre that I played along with Fire in the Kitchen went over very well. What a beautiful venue. The board of directors and volunteers are going to have quite a showcase before too long. I mean it's nice now, but it's getting better and better. I was indeed playing in a piece of history. The theatre was built as a vaudeville house in 1911. I felt right at home.

The Savannah World War II Memorial is scheduled to break ground on Memorial Day this year. it will be located on a platform on Rousakis Plaza on the Savannah River, just outside Kevin Barry's. If you'd would care to make a donation, you can contact the Savannah Veterans' Council or click here to buy a commemorative, inscribed brick.

Got this from the Navy League:

Vets can now salute the flag
For years, Veterans have wanted to salute the U.S. flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem instead of just placing their hand over their heart. Now they can. A Congressional Amendment sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 specifically states that “members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.” Veterans can salute the flag during the National Anthem as well as during “the hoisting, lowering and passing of the flag.” “The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service,” said Inhofe. “Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The U.S. Code is now consistent for Veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military
salute.”

I guess that's about it for now. Kevin Barry's website is still in the midst of reconstruction, so the calendar is inoperable at the moment. I'll shoot you a note when it's up and running. Just so you've got the skinny, I'll be there next 20-26 April.

Take care and please join me in keeping our troops in prayer and mind.

Drop a line when ever you like.

Hello All There -

Trust everyone is doing well and anticipating the oncoming Spring. It's just around the corner. I know because I have my doubts about that whole groundhog bit. I don't think it has any real basis in scientific fact. I could be wrong, but that's nothing I'm not used to. Just ask my wife.

A couple of things.

1. Daylight savings time: 8 March this year. I'll probably get up to speed with it a week or six later - like that damned Punxatawney Phil.

2. My friend Danny Costello: of the Washington DC - based band, Shannontide, has just released a new novel: "The Rag Tree". It's doing quite well and is a joy to read. You can find out more information about it at that website or you can write Danny : dannycostello@gmail.com.

3. I heard from my friend Lisa Kirstein, founder of Treats for Troops. I thought I should pass this information on to you. There's going to be a big event at P.J.Whelihan's Pub in Cherry Hill, NJ on 5 April starting at about 1900. Featuring Blackthorn. It's a big concert and more titled "Rock the Troops Benefit for the USO of Southern New Jersey". Lots of information about all the things associated with this honorable undertaking at the USO website.

4. Do to family commitments, I'll be unable to perform at this year's Long Island Irish Festival. last year was a great time and I'm sure this year will be a gas altogether as well. Charlie McKenna and his people pull out all the stops and know how to throw a time. I wish them all the best and hope I can join up with them again down the road.

5. Paddy's Day is lumbering toward us. I'll be in Savannah along with a lot - a lot- of other people - including many many troops who have been busy in recent years. There is all sorts of information at www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com as well as at This Savannah Site. I'll be performing a great deal with Carroll Brown and Harry O'Donoghue at Kevin Barry's Pub. Although the performance times will be kind of funny and very long, here's the way the schedule is:

Monday -Tuesday: 9-10: Carroll
Wednesday,Thursday, Friday: 11,12,13: Frank
Saturday: 14: Carroll & Frank
Sunday - Monday: 15, 16: Carroll, Harry & Frank
Tuesday: 17: Carroll & Frank

6. The Sunday sessions at Kevin Barry's have been doing well. They start at around 6:30-7:00 and go til about 8:45 on Sundays. All players are invited. It's chaired by the Savannah Ceilidh Band. Sessions will be on hiatus, I understand, on 15 March.

7. On 21 March, I'll be performing in concert with Fire in the Kitchen at the Pulaski Theare. Fire in the Kitchen is a quartet which specializes in Appalachian and Celtic Music, and then, well - you're familiar with what I do. Some call it confused. I prefer to think of it as eclectic. I actually got reviewed as that once. I'm still waiting to be called 'olio'. There's all sorts of information about the gig at the Pulaski Theatre website, including directions. The theatre is newly renovated and is positively beautiful. It's style is not too busy or anything. It's just right.

I guess that's about it for now. That's enough, right? Take care for now and please join me in thanking and keeping our troops in thoughts and prayers.

God bless

Just some of quick notes.

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that 2009 proves to be peaceful for you as well as economically sound - and getting sounder daily.

A couple of interesting events have taken place in the area of Kevin Barry's in Savannah.

1. I've been asked to convey apologies about the nature of the website. The calendar is blank and the thing generally not up to date. That should be - as Rocky Graziano used to say - a temporary condition. It's being worked on and with luck will be back up to the mark in jig time.

2. Initiated at the turn of the year, there is a live session in the listening room of Kevin Barry's every Sunday evening from about 6:00 or 6:30 until about 8:45. Hosted by the Savannah Ceilidh Band, the session - or sesuin - is sort of a Celtic jam session. It's pretty traditional in nature, everyone is invited to bring along your instrument and join in. They'll brief you on the protocol so that you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. It's not only fun but it's interesting and enlightening as well. Of course if you'd just like to come by and listen that would be fine too. After they finish, the entertainer for the week takes over for a regular Sunday night show. You can get more information at 912-233-9626 or at contact@kevinbarrys.com.

3. After considerable negotiation, the Veterans Council of Chatham County has reached an agreement with the City Council of Savannah to erect a World War II Memorial in honor of all those who served during that seminal event of the 20th century. The memorial is going to be erected on the table top plaza on the west end of what many refer to as Rousakis Plaza. It's just west of the Hyatt and just east of Kevin Barry's - pretty much katty corner out the door of the pub. Vic Power, proprietor of Kevin Barry's, is trying to work out an arrangement where donations to the memorial will be able to be made by some sort of credit card set up at several locations in the pub itself. The details of this set up look very promising, but are still in the planning stages. Please contact Kevin Barry's at 912-233-96626 for more information. If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation, a ;check made out to the Veterans Council of Chatham County - World War II Memorial can be mailed to Kevin Barry's 117 W. River Street, Savannah 31401 or to the Veterans Council of Chatham County, P.O. Box 16561, Savannah 31416. In addition, The Council is selling bricks at $100 each that will take 20 characters ( 2 lines of up to 10 letters each) http://www.veteranscouncilofchathamcounty.com/pdf/wwii-brick-app.pdf.

I guess that's about it for now. My show at the Heritage Center in Wytheville, Virginia on 5 February is sold out. My next engagement will be at Kevin Barry's 16 -22 February.

Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2009


Just received these TWO reviews for Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches from Writer's Digest, one of the foremost trade magazines in the writing world.

"Clean Cabbage in the Bucket is an uproarious romp through the pubs of America. The stories collected in this anthology range from hilarious to heartwarming and even disconcerting at times. At times the reader can almost hear the sweet notes or an Irish brogue wafting off the page. Most of the time, however, the reader will be in stitches from giggling so hard. The picture section is fantastic. this is a great behind-the-scenes book that demands the reader grab a pint of Guinness or a snifter of Jameson and sit back for a great ride."


"What I liked best about this book was the rollicking humor and sense of plain old fun. You can tell that each author absolutely delights in telling a story. There's a real sense of joie de vivre in this book that's impossible to resist. One wants to gather the authors around, kick back with a pint, and just listen to them go. This is a book that, for what it is, can't be much improved upon. In other words, its literary "flaws" are part of its charm."

Not so bad, huh?

You can get a copy through my website

Frank Emerson
790 E. Spiller Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
Home & Fax: 276-228-6726
Cell: 276-613-0598
E-Fax: 509-562-8833
E-mail: femerson@embarqmail.com
Website: www.frankemerson.com www.ifreelance.com/pro/4448
(Appearing at Kevin Barry's 12-18 January)

(Clocks go back one hour at 0200 on Sunday 2 November - That's 2 AM Sunday, November second)

I just got back from one of the thrills of my life. While I was in Savanah this last time, I got to meet, eat with, drink with, talk with, laugh with, breath the same air with, and even sing with, two of the men who - in my opinion - did nothing less than save the world. "Wild Bill" Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron of South Philly, and late of Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division (The Band of Brothers) were in Savannah for a book signing at Kevin Barry's Pub and then attend the formal ball of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) the following evening.

Through the generosity and good graces of Vic Power - publican of Kevin Barry's, Jeannette and Leo Rahill of Philadelphia's finest, the 160th SOAR, and the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Babe and Bill spent a full three days in Savannah. I was lucky enough to be with them fairly constantly. On Friday night, I guess it was around midnight, I even did a kind of duet with Babe as he was sitting ringside in the pub. We sang the song that he said was the foavorite of their pal, the late Joe Toye. Babe sang it in "The Band of Brothers" The song, of course , was "Bridget O'Flynn" . Babe said we did pretty good, but not as good a Guarnere used to sing it.

Over the course of their visit, we managed to sell all 400 copies of their book "Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends". The fellows were extremely gracious: signing autographs, posing for pictures, and chatting amiably with anyone and everyone. Of course, their stories were endlessly entertaining. Funny and gracious gentlemen that they are, they are still - at age 85 - a couple of genuine tough customers and not to be monkeyed with - unless you want to go to fist city. What a time, we all had, what a time! You can see a couple of photos of me and them at mywebsite as the most recent entries in the photo section.

Coming up now we have a couple more important days. I'll be opening at Kevin Barry's on Monday 10 October. If that date sounds familiar, it's because it's the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. That will make 233 years since the Corps was founded on Philadelphia's waterfront in Tun Tavern. So a full HOORAH! to the Gyrenes!
The date is also special for another reason. It was on Thursday evening November 10, 1938 that Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" was introduced to the listening audience by the most popular radio singer of the day, Kate Smith, on her weekly hour long program. It was an immediate hit. The story goes that at the end of the show, Irving Berlin was called from the audience up on stage. To roaring applause, Kate - who was larger than somewhat - gave little Irving a bearhug that would have kept him out of the draft. Just in case you're interested, I've got the song on disc too, on my record "There's a Story Told". You can get it at my website.

Of course the following day, Tuesday the 11th of November should ring even more bells. That's Veterans Day

Symbolic of the end of World War I - the 11th hour, the 11th day, the 11th month - the date was established by Woodrow Wilson in 1919 as Armistice Day. Ike redesignated it as Veterans Day in 1954 so that all who served and serve might be remembered, recognized and thatnked. That description, of course, includes those men and women who continue to keep the vigil, make the sacrifices, and do freedom's work today.

That's about it for now. Oh, I guess I should mention that I'll be warbling- chirping as Babe and Wild Bill called it - at Kevin Barry's all week through the 16th...doing Celtic music and my usual olio of song, toasts and snappy patter. Hope you can make it.

God Blesss for now,

About those World War II Rangers....

I can report that those fellows who served in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Ranger Battalions during World War II and were in attendance at the Reunion last week in Cleveland are doing and looking terrific. They make you proud just to be breathing the same air. Although some are in better shape physically than others, you can tell just by looking at their carriage, that the spirit that hung tough over 60 years ago has not been diminished by the passage of time. That opinion is only reinforced when you get a chance to talk with any one of them. It is etched in stone when you offer to shake hands and receive a firm, confident grip in return - one that lets you know that there is no nonsense here: that this is the real deal.

I am very proud to have played a little part in this reunion, proud to have shaken hands, and shared a couple of drinks with these men. Asked to perform by Sherry Klein, the Public Affairs Director of the Ranger Memorial Foundation, I was pleased to be reunited with a number of the WWII Rangers I had spent some time with at prior affairs, saddened by the passing of a number of them, honored to meet and shake hands with some of the gracious widows and children, and to spend a little more time with MG Kenneth C. Leuer, president of the Ranger Memorial Foundation charter member of the Ranger Hall of Fame and first CO at the re-activation of the 1/75th Ranger Battalion in 1974.

The proceedings opened with the reading of the ceremony in observation of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, by Colonel Doug Flohr, CO of the Ranger Training Command. This was particularly appropriate and touching in that Friday, 19 September 2008, had been designated as the official recognition day by way of presidential proclamation. In attendance were several Rangers who had been POWs during World War II - notably from the Batle of Cisterna, January-February 1944.

I followed up with a song I wrote, The Flag of Our Fathers, honoring all World War II vets. I mentioned that while Tom Brokaw may have christened men of this time "The Greatest Generation", my friend Vic Power, from Kevin Barry's Pub , coined the title, "The Luckiest Generation." in reference to us: we who were lucky enough to have known these men, grown up under their guidance, and able to live in a world that they saved for and bequeathed to us. We, who have reaped the benefits that men like this fought and died for remain in their debt. Then I went into a number of tunes and songs dating from, George M. Cohan material - especially for my old pal SSGT George Simodejka - through World War II, some Irish and up to today. After a quick bite of chow, I continued with the program to include more songs, toasts and a song written for the Rangers during the War. Set to the tune of Cohan's "Grand Old Flag", "Rangers True" was sung that night by a remarkable 88 year old, tough as leather, Ranger whom I only got to know as "Uncle Reggie".

I finished off with my song "One Nation United" and then "The Star Spangled Banner". That ended my twist, and I was invited by a Ranger to join them for a drink or two in the hospitality suite. I did this and enjoyed the company thoroughly.

(By the way, Cleveland is a lovely town. I hope to appear there at the Cleveland Irish Festival next year. We'll see.)

Owing to a home emergency, I was unable to stay the next day and so missed hearing GEN Leuer's talk at the dinner that evening.
It shall always be a point of pride that I had a chance to be with these fine men. Each and everyone of them a gentleman - some of the nicest men who ever slit the throat of an enemy.

Speaking of that, this is still in the works, so it isn't definite just yet, but next month on 23 October, through the good graces of Leo Rahill of the Philadelphia Police Department, the 1/75th Ranger Battalion, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and Victor Power, of Kevin Barry's Pub, there may be a press the flesh/book signing in Warrior's Hall on the second floor of Kevin Barry's. The guests of honor will be "Wild" Bill Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron from Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division, The "Band of Brothers". Bill and Babe have written a book, Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends . If the event comes off, this will be your opportunity to meet these men and buy an autographed copy of their book. I've read it and it's terrific. It pulls no punches. If you want the real skinny, here's a chance to get it and to meet the men involved. As I say, this isn't quite etched in stone as yet, so you'll have to phone Kevin Barry's for details. 912-233-9626. You can try e-mailing contact@kevinbarrys.com, but it's probably better to phone as the date draws closer.

On 2,3,4 October, I'll be at Delaney's in Columbia, SC. Hope to see some of you there.

That's about it for now. My records and book and paraphernalia are still available at www.frankemerson.com. They can be paid for by way of credit card.

realize this note arrives fast on the heels of my last update, but I had to mention a couple of things.

I'll be at Kevin Barry's (www.kevinbarrys.com) this coming Monday -Sunday (8 - 14 September). I'm looking forward to a fine time, in spite of the hurricane threats, an hope you can join me. Of course, this week included the 11th, which - as if anyone needs reminding - is the 7th anniversary of the atrocity that was 9-11-01. I suspect we'll be doing some remembering and singing a few that will commemorate that day and the days since.


9/11 National Remembrance Flag
What the flag represents:

The background

The blue on each side of the flag represents the color of the state flags for each state where a plane was downed - New York, Pennsylvania & Virginia.

The black in the center of the flag represents the sorrow we feel for the innocent lives lost from this tragedy: those on the planes, those working in the towers, the Pentagon, and the rescue workers whom lost their lives during the rescue.
The stars
The stars represent the 4 planes that crashed and the innocent lives lost on those planes and in the buildings.

The blue star represents the Pentagon & American Airlines Flight 77, and for the innocent passengers and the lives lost in the Pentagon.
The 2 white stars represent each of the towers at the World Trade Center, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, the innocent passengers on those flights, the lives lost (both those in the buildings and the rescue workers) and those that survived.

The red star represents United Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the innocent passengers, and those who sacrificed their lives to protect the loss of other innocent lives.
The color of the stars (red, white & blue) is representation of our United States flag.
All 4 stars are touching, as well as the 2 white stars to touch the blue in the flag - this represents our 'unity' in the United States.
On the 19th, I'll be traveling to Cleveland with my old pal Mike Chaney. I'm honored to have been asked to perform that evening at the 2008 National Ranger Battalion Association Reunion (www.rangerfamily.org). I'll be playing that evening for these World War II Veterans of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Ranger Battalions. Now I know these fellows are still tough guys; I've played for some of them before. However, I have not been surrounded by so many of them. That's one of the reasons Chaney is coming along - I might need the help of that old, retired MSGT if the fellows get out of hand. Also, Chaney was handpicked as an NCO by MG (ret) Kenneth C. Leuer when he was in command of the 1st BN when it was constituted in back in 1974. To be double safe, in case Chaney gets out of hand, General Leuer, himself, will be in attendance. I'm going to be in some pretty heady company on the 19th.

Also, I've been told by an old Marine buddy of mine, Ray Kinder, and asked to pass along to you that 19 September has been officially designated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ The Defense Prisoner of War Missing Personnel Office states as follows

A Pentagon ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be held on Friday, Sept.19, 2008, the third Friday of the month. This is the traditional day of the month for that observance each year.This ceremony will feature troops from each of the military services. The president will issue a proclamation commemorating the observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country.

http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/ http://www.aiipowmia.com/

I guess that's about it for now. There's a war going on. It will be won, as have others, by brave men and women. I remember them and thank them all. Join me anytime.

Hello Folks -

I hope that your summer weather is as nice where you are as it is here in Southwest Virginia. What a pleasant change over the heat of last year. I'm afraid we might be going into a new Ice Age. Sometimes I hear mammoths at night. Surprisingly enough they all sound like Ray Romano.

Anyway, a couple of things:

My appearance at The GrahamFest 2008 has been adjusted. As of now - and this looks to be the final word - I'll be on the Carriage House Stage on Monday, 1 September from 4:30 until 6:00 PM. The festival runs 31 August - 1 September from 3:00 PM on. You can get all the details at the GrahamFest Site.

We recently received a couple more fine reviews of our book, Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches. Michael Snow, an old pal from Liverpool, now a very successful Nashville fixture had this to say:

" I read the book cover to cover and enjoyed it thoroughly! Kudos! Fine tales, well told!"

Our Friend, Diane Byrnes, host of the radio program "Echoes of Erin" over WEDO 810 AM in Pittsburgh said:

"They will keep you laughing, maybe shed a tear or two; but for sure you'll enjoy the book"

As you probably know by now, you can get a copy of the book as well as any of my records at my website: www.frankemerson.com. And you can pay by credit card!

Finally, the great Dublin entertainer, Ronnie Drew, passed away in Dublin at the age of 73. The humor, intelligence, honesty, and talent of this fine representative of Irish music and theater will be missed. A great influence on performers, his irreverent style applied with unerring marksmanship will not be replaced. All of our sympathies to his family.

That about does it for now, please keep in mind the men and women in uniform at home and abroad. You might have a look at this site, or this one, "Treats for Troops".

All the best for now. Drop a line if you like.

Hello All -

I just got back from a great weekend in New York - Long Island, actually - at the Long Island Irish Fest in Calverton. What a venue! Everything under giant circus tents to protect everyone from the elements. It was considerably cooler under the tents than in the hot sun, of which there was plenty.

There were three stages with pretty much continuous entertainment, lots of food, beer, wine, water and even an energy drink called, believe it or not, "Bawls". I didn't have any of that but I was told by no lesser source than Kevin McKrell that the stuff lived up to its slogan "bounce with bawls". A great selection of vendors there as well, selling everything from clothes to instruments to jewelry to trailers.

Speaking of Kevin McKrell, he was there as part of the group, The McKrells. The band now includes his daughter Kate, as a permanent member. They were highly entertaining, as usual. Speaking of old friends, the band lineup also included Mary Courtney and Morning Star. I only got a chance to talk with them, since we were performing at the same time on different stages. I did get a chance to hear my friends The Makem and Spain Brothers. They were as exciting as ever to hear and certainly are doing everything they can to live up to and pass on the tradition of their late father, Tommy Makem. Also I got a chance to meet, listen to and spend some time with Zig Zeitler and Siusan O'Rourke. Together they're known as Stone Cross. They are a very talented and personable duo who also have the highly respected White Crow Music Conservatory in Saginaw, Michigan.

Got to spend a great evening of telling lies in the bar of the hotel where we were all staying and catching up with all of those people plus the traditional group, Colcannon, whom I also got to hear a little bit of at the festival. Very unique and very talented.

Just heard from Charlie McKenna, the founder of the Long Island Irish Fest and the Long Island Irish Cultural Center. The festival in 2009 - that's next year - will be on 18 & 19 July. It will be at the same location, Abbess Farm, as this year. I'll be there with bells on and hope that you will too. I imagine that the line-up will be just as much fun and even more intense, given that it will be condensed to two days. Mark your calendars for a great time. I'll tell you more as I learn it.

Right now I'm home in SW Virginia, preparing to head down to Savannah, Georgia to Kevin Barry's, opening on Monday, the 28th and going through Sunday 3 August. As you may or may not know, 4 August is the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard - born in 1790, so I'll have to do a song or two for them on the 3rd. Later that week, I'll be at Delaney's in Columbia, SC - 14-16 August. The 14th is National Navajo Codetalkers Day. A debt is owed there. On the 16th, we celebrate National Airborne Day - 1940. Another debt owed.

Of course, I always keep in mind those men and women who are in harms way today. This thing ain't just a day at the beach or a hike in the mountains. God bless them all.

Hello Everyone -

A quick update. Just got back from a great 4th of July week at Kevin Barry's in Savannah. It was great to have been able to meet and spend time with a fair number of the crew from the USS Barry (DDG-52). Named after Irish native, Commodore John Barry, the founder of the U.S. Navy, this Arleigh Burke -Class guided missile destroyer was moored just a little further west on River Street. The fellows conducted tours aboard ship and of course spent a good amount of their liberty anchoring down the pub. They did a good job of it too. Although she was buffeted by some gale force winds, the pub never moved.

We had a good contingent of Rangers, Green Berets, Infantrymen, Cavalrymen, Marines, Sailors , Coastguardsmen and Airmen. There were even some Irishmen. Imagine that: Irishmen in a pub!!! On Sunday night, we had one old Army-Aircorpsman - Arnold Kintsler - who was a gunner on one of the companion B-29s to the Enola Gay, on it's way to Hiroshima. He's a great fellow with a great laugh and wonderful stories - which he is in the midst of recording for the sake of posterity. He fit in just right with all the present day service men. Together, a bunch of them took a tour through Heroes Hall - the second floor museum at Kevin Barry's. This, by the way, is a sight to be seen - a memorial that is always being added to and expanded in honor of members of the US.Armed Forces.

Heard that Danny Doyle is healing up nicely. With luck, it won't be too much longer before he's out there "warbling away" - as he puts it.

Next week. I'm headed to the Long Island Irish Festival. I'll be performing at 2:30 on Friday, 1:00 on Saturday, and 12:30 on Sunday. There is lots of information at the festival's website. Tickets are of course available at the gate however, you can get them at the website for almost half price! It should be quite the event - 3 stages, workshops, motorcycles, food, drink,(under shelter), tons of performers and lots of music.

Now for the more commercial part of the note. You can get copies of my recordings and also the book Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches at my website. All of these can be purchased by credit card.

That's about it for now. I trust that you're all having an enjoyable summer.

Hello All -

I just received this from Lisa Kirstein. She and her husband used to come in with thwir son, Anthony, to see me perform at Kevin Barry's in Savannah, while Anthony was stationed at Fort Stewart. At this point in time, Anthony is at "the beach". I think that Lisa's idea is a good one. I also think it is well worth sharing with all of you.

I hope you read Lisa's letter and give it some consideration.

Thanks and I'll be talking with you soon,

Frank


What is your typical South Jersey resident doing this weekend?

Chauffeuring to soccer or baseball? Lounging by the pool? Getting kids ready to send kids to summer camp? Heading down to the shore?

Unless it’s your day to check for snipers. Or save someone from a gaping head wound. Or stand guard in 120 degree heat. Or determine whether the clump of sand you see ahead of you on the road is actually a land mine.

Unless it’s your child doing these jobs on the other side of the world!

For our family, the “War in Iraq” is Not something on the news. This is our life.

We live with this war everyday. Whether it’s counting down the days until we will see our son again...seeing if he put any new pictures of himself on his web page...waiting to get an email from him...or shopping for some special request he made like getting some pencils for Iraqi kids who have no school supplies.

And sometimes weeks go by without any word from him at all. That’s the real torture. Our only communication with him has been through email. We’ve only spoken to him one the phone one time (on Thanksgiving) during the last 7 months. I’ve saved some old messages saved on my voicemail from before he left the US, and another when he first arrived in Kuwait. I listen to them almost every day, and play them for his little brothers and sisters, just so we can hear his voice.

We feel very isolated here in Voorhees, as it is not a town where many (if any) military families live. I don't know ANYONE in Voorhees with a child in Iraq. Not any of our neighbors or friends or co-workers. Not anyone at my gym (Virtua), not anyone from Voohees Soccer, not anyone at our temple (Beth El), not any one from GVAA Baseball, not anyone at our kids elementary school (Signal Hill), not anyone at Sturbridge Pool or swim team, no one at my daughters gymnastics school, no one.

So after 7 months of friends and neighbors and co-workers asking me, “how’s your son? Is there anything we can do?” I decided to start “Treats for the Troops” . We are a non profit mission to collect and ship items to U.S. soldiers who are deployed to Iraq, and living on the more remote patrol operating bases. These soldiers have no store to buy even the simplest of items, like chap stick if they have dried out lips from the blistering sun in the 125 degree heat, or wipes to clean their hands and face since they have limited access to water while out on patrols.

We want to do something to let these people know we are thinking about them, and cheer them up a bit. These soldiers are working hard over their, missing their homes and families, and missing the U.S.A. How about we all do a little something for them??

Please help spreading the word about “Treats for the Troops!” Voorhees Police Department is a collection drop off point open 24 hours a day. Monetary donations are great too for covering the cost of shipping , or purchasing larger items we will be sending , like portable fans, dart boards, and horse shoe sets. Checks can be sent to : Treats for the Troops/ 19 simsbury Drive, Voorhees, NJ 08043

Hello Everybody -

Just a few announcements and the like in this quick update and then I'll let you go.

I've been getting a fair number of hits at my website: www.frankemerson.com , averaging in the 50,000 per month range. I know that isn't a lot compared to Britney Spears, but for an old guy, it ain't too shabby. Lots of news and information, my performance calendar, reviews, biography, photographs, a guestbook, various links as well as opportunities to hear cuts from the recordings, buy the recordings themselves by way of charge card, have a look at various gift items, with the possibility of purchase, or of course the non fiction anthology, Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches (which can also be purchased by way of credit card).

I've recently been informed that you can purchase Clean Cabbage on line at Borders as well as Barnes and Noble. People in the Czech Republic can get it at BookFayre.

It has also recently come to my attention that Firestone Vineyards has recently made available to the public a new wine called "Jarhead Red" www.jarheadred.com. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Merlot which was developed for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Los Angeles in 1999. It was such a hit that it made it to other 11 November celebrations throughout the Corps. Now it's available to everyone. The interesting and nicest thing about the wine is that the net profit from each bottle goes to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. This provides academic financial aid to children of fallen marines and Navy Corpsmen.

A little bit of exciting news: I was recently contacted by Charlie McKenna, the executive director of the Irish Cultural Center of Long Island. He invited me to perform at the Long Island Irish Festival, www.liirishfest.com. I accepted. It's the largest festival on the east coast and will be held on 18, 19, 20 July at Abbess Farms, Calverton, NY. The schedule is up and directions and all sorts of information can be found at the festival website.

I guess that's about the lot for now. Let me remind you one more time about the Cell Phones For Soldiers program. www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. It's certainly worth a look. I've also been asked to remind those of you who send care packages over there, the troops can't do with enough fly strips.

So long for now. Drop a line when you feel like it. Leave a note in the guestbook, if you'd like.

Take care,
Frank

P.S. Got a note from my old pal Mike Chaney, former Ranger, former SF, etc. He sent along this video. Very interesting to understate it. As he put it, "Brace yourself."

http://www.warriorsthefilm.com/Movie.html

My good friend, Pat Waterbury, former Ranger, former SF passed away from natural causes on 9 April. He was in Afghanistan doing what he did virtually all of his adult life - protecting people.

If you'd care to send a note or make a contribution in Pat's name, you can to so at either of the following addresses:

National Ranger Memorial Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 53369
Fort Benning, GA 31995

VFW Foundation
406 W. 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

A couple of things. Happy belated Easter to all. Happy on-going St. Patrick's Day recuperation. That sums them up handily. Now to business.

You may have seen ads on television or in the newspapers for a group called Celtic Thunder - a few fellows who are doing concerts and the like. Some of you may remember the wonderful trad group, Celtic Thunder from Washington, with whom I was privileged to work closely for a number of years. As they used to say in burlesque years ago, I wondered to myself, "What the hey?" As if in answer to that question, a couple of days ago, I received the following attachment in a note from my old friend Terry Winch.



Celtic Thunder played its first gig in May of 1977 at the Harp Pub in Baltimore, and went on to become one of the most influential Irish-American traditional music groups in the U.S. Called “a great Irish band” by the Village Voice and “one of the best Irish folk acts in America” by The Washington Post, the band has released three albums over the years. Its second CD, The Light of Other Days, won the prestigious INDIE award for Best Celtic Album.



Co-founded by Jesse and Terry Winch, who grew up in the Bronx of Irish immigrant parents, Celtic Thunder is best known for Terry Winch’s composition, “When New York Was Irish,” a song that has become a standard on both sides of the Atlantic. Celtic Thunder played the White House twice during the (Bill) Clinton administration. In addition to Jesse and Terry Winch, members of the band over the years have included Linda Hickman, Nita Conley, Steve Hickman, Tony DeMarco, Dominick Murray, Rob Thornburgh, Laura Murphy, and Regan Wick.



Under no circumstances should Celtic Thunder be confused with the PBS t.v. show (and related CD) featuring a variety of commercial Irish and non-Irish material sung by an assortment of male vocalists, collectively calling itself “Celtic Thunder.”



A new compilation of Celtic Thunder’s music, highlighting Terry Winch’s compositions, is now out. Called When New York Was Irish, the CD is available via www.terencewinch.com or from Trade Root Music at www.traderootmusic.com/catalog.html#Winch. A new website with information on the recordings and performances of the original Celtic Thunder members is now under construction.





Now, just before Paddy's Day, I received a note from my friend and reasonable fair singer and musician, Danny Doyle. As you know, Danny's been going through a rough patch physically since his operation last year and has been unable to work. Along with typically intelligent, humorous, Doyle-ish bits of whimsy, he sent the following words about his present condition and the prognosis.





To those who enquired, I'm getting better from my many ailments slowly but surely, but 'twill be some time before I'm back at the yodeling.



I get the feeling from the rest of his note - which I am admittedly too chicken to reveal to you - that it really won't be too long before the Doyler's shining tones will be back to shattering fine crystal all over the place. Whatever his ailments did, they did not diminish his charming curmudgeonly all-encompassing gentle, tolerant G-rated wit.



Finally, this is the ALERT of the subject line. I was scheduled to play at a place called Sullivan's Irish Pub in Ashland, Virginia this Thursday - Saturday and again in April and May. Tipped off by some friends who were unable to get through to the place either by a-mail or phone, I tried to contact the joint. No luck. I phoned the Ashland Town Hall, told the woman my name and predicament and asked if she knew anything about the situation. She told me straight out that the place was closed. I owe my friends a thank you and a drink for saving me a long drive and what would probably have been one gigundo coronary conniption. So, contrary to my previous message to you, it looks like I won't be in the Richmond area after all.



One word of advice: if you run into some fellow named Greg Sullivan who says he was in the Irish Pub business in Ashland, Virginia, don't turn your back on him. And should you, in a moment of weakness, dare to shake hands with this oxygen thief, count your fingers afterward and count yourself lucky not to be doing business with him. Here endeth the lesson.



Go in peace and God bless,

Here we are running up to St. Patrick's Day again. I'll be in Savannah at Kevin Barry's Pub.

My schedule is 10-17 March. Carroll Brown will join me from the 13-17. Harry O'Donoghue will chime in with us on the 14th & 15th. We'll be doing round robin - upstairs and downstairs and then finish off Friday and Saturday evenings with a trio ensemble on the downstairs stage. This is always a real gas.

I'm looking forward to the festivities this year since they'll probably be lasting for about five days. I know this sounds hard to believe, but this is why it's might be so.

Since Easter falls early this year (23 March), the feast of St. Patrick - Paddy's Day - (17 March) is the first day of Holy Week. Therefore, so as to not mess up big time, the parade will be held on Friday, 14 March. Incidentally, this will be the 184th year for Savannah's parade.

Of course you have to prepare for these things, so Thursday the 13th evening will be the dress rehearsal.

Then comes the parade day on Friday the 14th. Mass at 8:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Jon the Baptist. The parade will kick off at 10:15 AM

Now comes the 15th - a Saturday. As you know, a Saturday can't be just ignored. That would be wrong. So the celebration will continue.

Then Sunday the 16th is Palm Sunday. What better way to celebrate than after mass or services, to adjourn to the pub to talk over the weekend's events after a fashion.

Monday, being the 17th - THE actual day itself - stalwarts will undoubtedly see fit to acknowledge the date in the appropriate, time honored manner.

You can get all sorts of information on St. Patrick's Day Events in Savannah at Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau or at St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. Questions about accommodations now - or anytime throughout the year - can be directed to River Street Hotels.

A couple of F.Y.I.s:

1. For those who'd like to observe the Saint's day in a more liturgical way - now or at anytime during the year - my friends Elizabeth and Vincent Hogan operate The Catholic Shop in the River Street Market Place. This is just opposite The Shrimp Factory, at the other end of River Street from Kevin Barry's.

2. I recently booked a new venue in Ashland, Virginia - just north of Richmond: Sullivan's Irish Pub. It's been a while since I've played near the capital city of the commonwealth. It will be good to be there again. I'm booked 27-29 March, 24-26 April and 8-10 May.

3. I'm honored to have been asked to perform at the National Ranger Battalions Association Reunion in Cleveland, Ohio on 19 September. this is the World War II Army Ranger Reunion. I'm proud to be associated with these fine men who, in my opinion, sacrificed and contributed so very much and in the end accomplished nothing less than to save humanity. We owe them and many others everything. Have a look at their website, there is a lot to be learned.

4. Just a quick reminder that Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches is available at my website. Just scroll down the page and you'll find it. You can even charge it. Same thing about my CDs. You can get them right here. Just click right underneath my photograph on the album you want. You can charge these too!

5. At Cafepress you'll find some interesting clothing, doo-dads, keepsakes, and sundries that might be interesting or even good for a gift or two.

Finally, please join me in thanking the men and women in our armed forces and keeping them in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. It wouldn't hurt if you were to keep your fingers crossed too. If you'd like, please have a look at Cellphones for Soldiers. It's an interesting way for us to do something for them and in most cases won't cost you a thing.

That's it for now, I guess. Probably enough. Here's wishing you and yours a pleasant, peaceful, and entirely enjoyable St. Patrick's Day.

Drop a line if you feel like it.

Happy New Year, everyone. Here's hoping that you and yours are looking at great possibilities for 2008. Even more, that these possibilities turn into probabilities - and even more that these probabilities turn into realities. that's the way things are supposed to go. Right? Right.

Anyway, I have some kind of interesting news. Maybe it's even a little bit exciting. Our book, Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches, is going to be available at Barnes & Noble and Borders book stores, throughout the country.

There is a bit of a catch here. Although we hope they'll have the book on display, particularly coming up to Paddy's Day, they may not. That doesn't mean they don't carry it.

In order to deal with Barnes & Noble and Borders - as well as the other big box stores, in all probability - the author(s) must have a relationship with a distributor such as Baker & Taylor or Lightning Source (a division of Ingram Publishing). Well, we have established a relationship with BOTH Baker & Taylor and Lightning Source. Therefore, Barnes & Noble and Borders can order Clean Cabbage for you, even if you don't see it anywhere on their shelves. They'll have access to it in their computers by way of those distributors I mentioned.

This is a POD - Print On Demand thing. You ask for it. They print it and send it. That way, theoretically anyway, lots of bookstores can carry us without having a lot of inventory on hand. Many authors go this route in conjunction with traditional methods.

All you have to do is ask for it and they can order it for you. Certainly, the more requests for information about the book - you don't even have to order it from them - the more likely they will be to carry it in the store. They'll see that there's a demand for it and will react accordingly by ordering some to have in stock.

You can locate one of the stores near you by the following means:

Borders Store Locator - http://beta.bordersstores.com/online/store/LocatorView
Barnes & Noble Store Locator - http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/?z=y
Waldenbooks Store Locator - http://www.bordersstores.com/locator/locator.jsp
If you could call or e-mail them and request if they can get you Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches, it would certainly give us a leg up in getting the thing spread all over the place. This is to a purpose.

What we're looking at down the line is doing an audio version of the book, with each author reading his own stories. This is something that's never been done in such a manner and to such an extent and would be a real coup for the publisher who picks up on it. We just have to convince them of this fact.

If we can increase the visibility of the book nation-wide, it would be more likely to catch the eye of a sharp publisher who would realize that we have something unique here. If he's smart enough to pick up on the fact, he'll be the trend setter in the publishing world.

If you make the inquiries at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks and others, you will, in fact, be the flint & flash that sets off the powder for this here musket ball (howzat for writing?).

In the interest of honesty, I've got to tell you the following. If you were to buy the book from one of the bookstores, we - Dennis, Robbie, Harry, Seamus and I - stand to make next to bupkis from each sale. That's an old Irish ( or is that Oy-vey-rish) word that means 'zip', goose-egg, nothing. However the publicity and the chances of future expansion that it would bring is very important as well. So, you can certainly still buy your book through my website: www.frankemerson.com/products or one of the other fellow's websites and we stand to make a bit more. On the other hand, buying it though one of the stores is more than OK too.

It's kind of a trade-off. The point of this note is that the stores will carry it with your help. Then who knows where that will all lead?

Incidentally, at the stores' websites, they will let you write a review of the book, much in the same way you can write a review of any of my records at http://cdbaby.com/found?allsearch=frank+emerson&submit=search.

Anyway thanks for your help on this project. Anything you can do will be much appreciated by all of us here at the shelter.

God bless for now,

This is the last ditch reminder/media blitz for the hilarious and moving non-fiction anthology,

"Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches"



At over 400 pages and 70-odd stories with 20 pages of photos, it's only a stocking stuffer if you happen to be Sasquatch! It's an out and out good gift. It's re-readable - full of stories you'll want to tell and talk about.

Don't just take my word for it. After all I have a vested interest in the thing. And I'm biased to boot.



Below is what a number of noted/notorious writers and performers had to say about this thoroughly enjoyable book.







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"It's a great read and had me in stitches laughing for a few weeks. It tells of life on the road and the fun and frolics of some of our favourite bards. It's well worth a read and would make a great Christmas gift for many Dads out there. Many of my friends have enjoyed it as well. All have the same reaction. …belly laughs!"



- Columnist Shay Clarke/"Raised on Songs & Stories"



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Got a copy of the book a while back…Still enjoying it…Glad to know the road hasn't changed…HA! HA!"



Pete St.John /Multi-Time Ireland's Songwriter of the Year

The Rare Ould Times, Fields of Athenry, etc.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




"Expert Storytellers! The great yarns come one after another! Just try reading one story and putting the book down. It's impossible!"



- Mike Farragher /The Celtic Lounge &

- The Irish Voice



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Funny, Poignant, Shocking, Memorable, Illuminating, Insightful…a Very Compelling Read and a Top Shelf Selection!"



-John O'Brien, Jr./ The Ohio Irish American News



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Great untold stories of the men behind the mike, perfect for dipping into and eclectic in its styles. Damon Runyon meets Frank O'Connor, with a dash of Brendan Behan thrown in for very good measure. I loved it!"



- Irish Writer/Performer/Teacher Declan Forde



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"I enjoyed the bewk very much! Great stories and all around well-told, but then why wouldn't it be? Ye're all great story tellers!



-Danny Doyle/ Ireland's Leading Balladeer




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It's as easy to get as slapping a colicky baby off the throne. (Now there's an image)



1. Go to www.frankemerson.com/products
2. Scroll down past the heading for "Clean Cabbage etc..."

3. You'll see three (3) "buy it" buttons. - You'll notice that you can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex or Bank Account via Paypal.

4. Click on any of them and follow the instructions.

5. It's guaranteed safe and secure.

6. I'll send you a signed copy right away - in time for Christmas!



OH, BY THE WAY...

CDs can be ordered just as easily by clicking here:

www.frankemerson.com/home.html


Right underneath my picture is an order sheet that will connect you directly with CDBaby. You can get them straight from them.



If you like, before you buy, you can listen to tracks from the albums at:

www.frankemerson.com/music.html


Here's wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas.

I trust that everyone had a pleasant and filling Thanksgiving..or is that 'fulfilling'. No matter. You know what I mean. I'll be heading to the warmer climes of Columbia, SC to appear at Delaney's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, I'll be getting into Savannah a day earlier than my scheduled appearance at Kevin Barry"s all next week . I'm looking forward to Sunday because my multi-talented pal Gabriel Donohue will be closing out his week's stay on Sunday, and quite frankly it is a real thrill to be able to hear him weave his musical spells. Those who have heard him agree that it's hard to believe that one man can produce all that sound and so well too. As Bob and Ray would put it, "He's a real ambi-paradox!" That means he can do several seemingly contradictory things at once and how he does it is a mystery to one and all. I suspect he regularly slips in and out of the 4th dimension, but he sure is a kick to see perform.

"Anyways..."as Pat Garvey would say, I'll be following Gabriel into Kevin Barry's , opening on the 3rd, and appearing through the 9th. This, of course, will cover the 66th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on the 7th.

Just recently, I got an e-mail from my pal Bill Harvey, chief of Police in Lebanon, PA. I think the message made a lot of sense and is a proper and timely thing to do, so I'm passing it along to you just as I got it.

The Lebanon City Police Department and Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS) a national grief support organization comprised of over 15,000 surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, are asking concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies nationwide to again support Project Blue Light.



During the holiday season you are asked to put blue lights in your holiday decorations and your windows and tie blue ribbons on car antennas to show support for law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty for the citizens they have served. Additionally, this will be a show of support for those who continue to work the streets 24 hours a day, every day of the year.



For more information - www.nationalcops.org.



On a lighter level, Christmas time followed by Epiphany are just around the corner. Wouldn't this be a good time to purchase a copy of Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales From the Irish Music Trenches for yourself or a loved one? You know that it is. Never mind those messy diamonds or cars or things like that. The perfect Christmas present is a copy of this book - a nonfiction anthology or oaver 70 stories, covering 410 pages of words and twenty pages of photographs written by myself and four other reasonable functioning rummies.



You can get your own authographed copy at my website www.frankemerson.com/products.html . You can even pay by credit card there. If you prefer, just send a check for $25 to me via United Stated Postal Service at 790 E. Spiller Street, Wytheville, VA 24382. That takes care of the postage, envelope, autograph and everything.



It has received some decent reviews.



Mike Farragher of The Irish Voice and The Celtic Lounge said, "Expert storytellers! The great yarns come one after another! Just try reading one story and putting the book down. It's impossible!"



John O'Brien, Jr. of The Cleveland Irish American News called it, "Funny, poignant,shocking,memorable, illuminating, insightful. Avery compelling read and a top shelf selection." He went on to say, "The only time I put it down was to give myself time to stop laughing!"



The noted Tyrone folklorist/professor/performer, Declan Forde had this to say, "It tells great untold stories of the men behind the mike, perfect for dipping into and eclectic in its styles. Damon Runyon meets Frank O'Connor, with a dash of Brendan Behan thrown in for very good measure. It's like a night in the pub, the turf fire roaring and five friends regaling you with their well-honed anecdotes. I loved it."



Even our long time buddy and cohort, Danny Doyle weighed in on the subject, "I enjoyed the bewk very much! Great stories and all around well-told, but then why wouldn't it be. Ye're all story tellers."



While we're on the subject of the Doyler, as we sometimes call him, he's going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. The following appeared in The Irish Voice.



Often overlooked as the unsung heroes of Irish music are the solo ballad singers who are called upon time after time for all kinds of benefits to help out their fellow Hibernians.

Many have toiled in the Irish pub scene and festival stages for decades playing a very important role in the entertainment scene without the safety net of decent health insurance or income options should tragedy befall them.

One of them in need right now is the very classy troubadour Danny Doyle from Dublin, who makes his home in Virginia. With a velvet voice and dramatic flair, Doyle has a way of making even the most familiar Irish songs come alive in bard-like fashion that transports you to the very heart of the song.

After surgery in August for blockage in his carotid artery, that voice is stilled and he is unable to perform for the time being and hence, he isn’t getting paid for his canceled gigs.



That pretty much sums up the situation as it exists for Danny at the moment. He's really doesn't have anything booked for some time to come. There have been a couple of benefits held for him, but there might be some of you who'd like to lend a hand and and help this great talent weather this gale. If you'd feel so inclined, please write a check payable to Danny Doyle. You can send it on to me and I'll see that he gets it - with your compliments.



I suppose that's about it for now. Take care and please remember our men and women in harm's way.