'Tis a day of irony, indeed. Although the day is ostensibly a birthday celebration, it actually commemorates the date (at least according to legend) that Ol' Paddy died (in 493AD) along the shores of Strangford Lough. He's also one of the few folks from the "big island" that Irishmen seem to hold in high regard (along with Art Guiness and Jack Charlton). Moreover, many folks would not consider his impact on Ireland to be an unmitigated good. I imagine that the brewers and distillers of the world probably hold him dear, maube even think of him as a patron saint. It's for certain that he knows how to cause many a good party. And he' a very considerate fellow, having his party two days ahead of st joe. "Party for Paddy" today, recuperate tomorrow, and then engage in a bit of "Gluttony for Joe" at your favorite Italian restaurant on the 19th. It would be a big help to me if 'catter's who celebrate similar "days" from other cultural traditions would share their klnowledge with the rest of us. That way we could amass a "book of party days", for the betterment of mankind, of course.