Why there aren't snakes in New Zealand

St. Patrick eventually grew tired of the dreary winters in Ireland and retired to Fiji. Feeling restless and ill-used as he aged, he traveled to New Zealand one day and drove all of the snakes from here as well, and there was much rejoicing. Or not. That doesn't change that there aren't snakes in New Zealand or Ireland--here's why; http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/NewsEvents/irelandsnakes.cfm

Whether or not St. Patrick spent anytime down under, he is still quite popular here, or the celebration of him anyhow. There's an awful lot of pride for that catholic guy in this protestant scottish town. What an awful day to forget my camera--a reccuring theme this week.

As I arrive on campus, after first being assaulted by Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphy songs blasting from several cars, I heard more celtic music. Outside of the bookstore/Spice Traders several of UC's own staff were jaming out--there were a couple of guitars, a bass, too many bodhrans, some spoons, penny whistles, a man who made schmaltzy trumpeting fit, and even a guy playing a saw. A group of very conservative looking muslim women joined the crowd watching, and clapped, whooped, and enjoyed along with the rest of us. Everybody, it seems, is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.