Smart Finds

History of the Term “Kiss Me I’m Irish”

smartfindstoday — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:50:19 +0000

It is a reference to the Blarney Stone. Kissing the Blarney stone brings you good luck so if you can’t kiss the stone the next best chance of getting good luck is “kissing an Irish person.”

The Stone of Eloquence

For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate.

Some say it was Jacob’s Pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Here it became the Lia Fail or ‘Fatal Stone’, used as an oracular throne of Irish kings – a kind of Harry Potter-like ‘sorting hat’ for kings. It was also said to be the deathbed pillow of St Columba on the island of Iona. Legend says it was then removed to mainland Scotland, where it served as the prophetic power of royal succession, the Stone of Destiny.

When Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster, sent five thousand men to support Robert the Bruce in his defeat of the English at Bannockburn in 1314, a portion of the historic Stone was given by the Scots in gratitude – and returned to Ireland.

Others say it may be a stone brought back to Ireland from the Crusades – the ‘Stone of Ezel’ behind which David hid on Jonathan’s advice when he fled from his enemy, Saul. A few claim it was the stone that gushed water when struck by Moses.

Whatever the truth of its origin, we believe a witch saved from drowning revealed its power to the MacCarthys.

Posted in Quirky Finds Tagged: Irish Gifts, Irish History, Kiss Me I'm Irish, St. Patrick's Day

IHOP – Free Pancakes – Tuesday, Feb 24

smartfindstoday — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:26 +0000

National Pancake Day
February 24, 2009

http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/index.html

Join IHOP to celebrate National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 24 from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. You’ll get one free short stack (3) butermilk pancakes. All that IHOP asks is that you consider making a donation to support local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network, or other local charities.

History of National Pancake Day

Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products…hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly two million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates. With your help, we hope to raise $1,000,000 for Children’s Miracle Network in 2009!

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Brought to you by Cardio Cocktail

Posted in Charity, Quirky Finds Tagged: Charity

Economic Stimulus Package – Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Home Improvements?

smartfindstoday — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:25:56 +0000

How has the new Stimulus bill affected the tax credits for energy efficient home improvements?

On February 17, 2009,
President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency
tax credits.

The highlights are:

The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.
The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.
The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a AC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.
The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.
The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

Get the full details on tax credits for energy efficient home improvements at Energystar.gov

Posted in Money Savers Tagged: angies list, economic stimulus package, home improvement tax credit, tax credits