Shea Andersen: At the Roundhouse

Hide the whiskey

Why, it's St. Paddy's Day up here. How odd to celebrate an Irish holiday in New Mexico, where the wearin' o the green typically means you spilled green chile on your tie.

So I say, beware the Immediate Irishman.

On St. Patrick's Day the I.I., that person with merely the barest shred of Irish heritage, will squeeze that bit of Blarney gravel for all it's bleedin' worth.

The I.I. will then feel compelled to: (1) dress in garish shades of green that clash oh, so mightily, (2)perhaps pop on a bowler or a floppy newsboy hat and cock one's head just so (3) bellow in a shaggy attempt at Scottish-tinged accent and (4) describe in painful detail in this instant accent, your misfortunes at the hands of a real or imagined whiskey bottle.

On the Senate floor this morning, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish called the session to order and called upon Majority Leader Michael O'Sanchez to begin. She was rewarded for her pluck by songs, including "Over There" and "God Bless America," led by an opera singer on loan. Thank the Leprechauns for his presence; he drowned out the I.I.'s on the floor.

Let the celebrations carry on. Tonight, I'm told, the House Judiciary Committee will hold its St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Hotel Plaza Real, the same hotel I call home during the session. So much for my peace and quiet. Pass me the Blarney Stone and a slingshot.

Speaking of green, it's budget veto or sign day! In mere moments, we'll have word of Gov. Bill Richardson's decisions. Watch this space.

Posted by sandersen at March 17, 2005 10:53 AM