Jelly Baby, Plastic Leprechauns, and the Yes Vote.
After spending two weeks in Ireland I have returned with many fond memories. I have also returned with a few WTF memories.
WTF memory #1: I met Jelly Baby in Kilkenny while waiting for a bus. This poster speaks for itself:
“Top professional pool entertainer David “JELLY BABY” Holt -as seen on TV- presents an evening of entertainment…(here)…”Jelly Baby” is so confident he is offering a four shot start (carry on rule) from the break for £10 per game upwards
“50 shot start for the ladies !
“Including trick shot exhibition.
“‘I’ve seen the rest, but Jelly’s the best’ – Jimmy White”.
WTF memory #2: Ireland, like other places in the world, is in a recession. Things are not great for the once mighty Celtic Tiger. One thing that will never be in any kind of recession is the abundance of tourist crap that drips and oozes out of what seemed like every store on the island. Seriously, how many plastic leprechauns and Guinness towels does one person need!?
WTF memory #3: The Republic was going to vote, again, on a referendum on the Lisbon Accord. I can’t comment on whether a yes vote (stay with the EU) or a no vote (go it alone…simplified but you get the idea) was right for Ireland (they voted yes this time but voted no the first time…the powers that be “suggested” a yes vote would be best for all the second time around). All I can say is that nothing spoils the beauty of a country like thousands of YES signs and NO signs affixed to lamp posts, fences, and the occasional leprechaun. It is unfortunate that Eire had to endure a second round. My taxi driver in Dublin said that people were tired of it…I can relate…we had a certain referendum in the not too distant past too. I won’t even begin to comment on THAT one!
All in all it was a great trip but it made me appreciate the life I have in Canada…where the majority of streets are marked with signs and babies are not usually gelatinous!
I remember seeing a comedy show once that made fun of some guy who would tell stories and teach using pool. I didn’t get the reference, but it was a funny skit nonetheless. Now I’m thinking…it must have been about this guy.
Anyway, welcome back! People have tried to fill your role as the dirty mind in class, but they never seem to have the same characteristic crassness that we all miss.