Paddy whack
Published 10:51 pm Friday, March 13, 2009
Popular knowledge of St. Patrick is about as cloudy and authentic as the green beer served each March 17. Among the things you may not know about the patron saint of Ireland was that he was born Maewyn Succat.
Perhaps recognizing that those celebrating his feast day with emerald-hued brew would never be able to form the words to wish each other a Happy St. Maewyn Succat’s Day, he changed his name to Patrick.
You still get a toaster:Swiss banks were long known for their anonymous “numbered accounts,” with which the rich could hide their largess from the tax man. No more. Swiss authorities say they will turn over account information to governments looking for tax evaders.
The banks apparently changed the policy after watching Jon Stewart dismantle Jim Cramer on “The Daily Show” and got wind that they were next on Stewart’s list.
All are bored! Amtrak is offering buy-one-get-one-free fares to Bellingham through a special Web site to encourage tourism to the Whatcom County city.
Once in Bellingham you can catch glimpses of Western students playing hacky-sack and Canadians rifling through half-off bins at Wal-Mart.
