@Ireland Curator: Erin Murphy

@TomTDowling thanks Tom!

If you want you can find me at @runmurphyrun - and please give a warm welcome to @JohnMoynes who starts his week as curator in the morning!

Well it's the end of my week as curator. It was so great to chat, laugh & learn from you this week ...

@girl__friday nice work!!

So nice the weather took a turn for the better. Glass of wine out on the balcony is in order.

... At home, Sundays would be more of a stay-at-home / maybe run errands kind of day. Much less social. I'm a fan of the Irish Sunday!

It may be my own experience, but it seems people in Ireland are more up for going for drinks / dinner on a Sunday than in Boston...

@saoili :)

@msmum ciao might well be my favorite in Malahide. The food is so good and the views!!!

@do_rand thanks very much.

@cdayzee great family day!! Enjoy!

@msmum they are super nice and excellent at what they do. Great combo!

@do_rand Thanks for the 'favorite', my fellow Masshole! :)

@saoili I'm sorry! It's got to be hard working on weekends. My partner does (he's in the restaurant / bar industry) and it can be tough. :(

@draperha hello to Libya!

@snastablasta that's really nice of you to say. Thank you!

@msmum I love it there. Great food, great setting!

... Early pints later. Like I said, it's Sunday Funday. We can do what we want, when we want, everyone! What's on your agenda??

... Newly arrived Downton Abbey DVDs. This weather is the perfect excuse to get back under the covers!! Step 4: make plans for a few ...

... Step 3: head home and put three things on: a bath, a load of laundry, and the TV. Today's lineup: Olympic closing ceremonies & ...

... Today I met Barry at Coffee Scene on the way back from the Castle. He was serene with the Sunday papers. I was full of post-run chat...

... With a setting like Malahide Castle, it makes the effort a little more pleasant. Step 2: have a nice breakfast ... pic.twitter.com/4IZsc9Vn

... I like to embrace my Sundays! Step 1: go for a jog. If I accomplish nothing else today (likely scenario) I've at least done that. Plus..

... I remember being in school & having a put in my stomach when Sunday rolled around. It meant Monday was around the corner. But now ...

Aah Sunday ... The day of rest. A chance to do what we want, when we want, even if it's nothing at all. (Those of us w/out kids anyway!) ...

@Shane_Murtagh Agreed! #Dublin2020 would be AMAZING.

@memyselfandbeth babysitting is exhausting!! :)

@wholesomeIE @worldirish enjoy! Well deserved!!

@CalypsoIT @grandtramore @accessitltd @irishbizparty @eytraining @app_x_pert @prefermktg thank you!

@jillajordan that's what I thought but the fear-mongers (mom & dad!! Ha) got me nervous there ... Thank you.

@jillajordan have been told that may change/should change when pregnant.

@jillajordan random question for you. Did you keep veggie through your pregnancies? I've been veg for 10 years & ...

what the ??? “@kelvinwins: I've heard of having your head up someone's arse but this is ridiculous #london2012 yfrog.com/oe69rpp”

So what do you guys think of Mitt Romney choosing Irish American @paulryanvp as running mate?

@jillajordan just took a look at your blog. I love it! You have a new fan. :)

@jillajordan @mulberryd4 I might make a trip this weekend!! Sounds fantastic!!

@jillajordan it doesnt serve margaritas so I bring it home & make my own!! Necessity is the mother of invention & all that ...

@jillajordan thx for the ideas! I do like Tolteqa on Baggot - incidentally it's very intentionally based on Chipotle in the US. But ...

@jillajordan I will say I miss Mexican food (lots of veggie options) and that's one thing I'm jonesing for every time I go back to Boston!

@jillajordan ... But it's getting better and chefs are generally super willing to make something not on the menu. I've never had a problem!

@jillajordan I would say the variety isn't as wide here (sometimes the only option is the ubiquitous goats cheese plate) but ...

@bobsleighbob thanks Rob!

@bobsleighbob @david_keegan @oisintweets we MUST talk ...... :)

@LinguistAshley great butter has magical powers.

@sevebeav great idea !!

@themonkeypolice I was just reading about Trident!! Must try it when I go back!

@fhayesmccoy such a beautiful picture! I adore Dingle!

@EoghanOSulliva2 gorgeous!

@msmum no but i love it there! This one is across from Gibney's.

@beatingblog happy birthday to them both!

A little nourishment at Coastal Cafe in Malahide. Only thing missing is a Bloody Mary, xtra spicy, 2 celery, 2 olives. pic.twitter.com/A6bC07ep

@fhayesmccoy I'll do my best!! :)

@EoghanOSulliva2 ahahahahaha

@DermotMcL1 completely agree!!!

@tim_brannigan sorry!! I needed inspiration this am. :)

@form_architect interesting!!

@form_architect you had me at microbrewing!!

@mondo9b ooh good idea ...

@clareconway I agree!! :)

@Nerin_ good for you!!

@auntyamo :) I think youre right!!

@brianocofaigh excellent! Thank you!!

@clareconway I know Irish beef has an amazing reputation! (I'm a veggie but it even looks superior!)

... So now that I'm officially starving, what are you guys having for brekkie? Bonus points for photos!!

... I send Irish chocolate home all the time. It's just too good. Beats American chocolate by a mile (sorry Hershey's!)

... It's just SO good. Nobody beats Irish dairy. The milk the cheese the ICE CREAM is just the best in the world ...

...Still searching Dublin for that perfect Bloody Mary, so if you have any recommendations, please share! As for the food here in Ireland...

... Brunch seems to be gaining in popularity here in Ireland. In Boston, it's a weekly ritual, especially among us city girls! ...

Morning everyone!! Not much is better than a Saturday morning. Biggest decision I'll make is what to have for brunch, my favorite meal...

“@thegreenandred: @ireland Whats your favourite Irish song?” So hard to choose. Four Green Fields is up there.

@Marcc68 making memories!!

@dancetotipp @irishhouse2012 well earned!!!

@joeystrider I know! Like a bear coming out of hibernation!

@mickcreagh love it!

@pacman656 nice!!

@pacman656 lots of good stuff!!

@auroralapetite how bad??

@snastablasta it's the little things!! :)

@travors nice!!

@da_kar gorgeous!!!!

@WeAreFilipinos hope there's lots of good in store for you today!

@travors you can still have a highlight! Good lunch? Nice coffee? Productive meeting? I'm struggling here ... :)

@BridgetFitz Good girl!! Smart chicks who write theses deserve a good tabloid as a reward!!

@dleacht excellent! Well done!

Spread the good cheer. Tell us the highlight of your day so far. Mine: Finishing work early & skipping out to Dalkey for a beer in the sun.

Hi everyone! I think the country is in a collectively good mood today. Katie wins Gold. It's Friday. The sun is shining. Here's an idea ...

thx! “@WeAreFilipinos: #FF #RotationCuration Europe: @Sweden @PeopleofUK @Ireland @WeAreUkraine @WeareAustria @We_R_Russia @I_amGermany”

thx! “@I_amGermany: happy #ff @PeopleOfUK @ireland @UmichStudents @Bristol52 @sweden @TWkUSA @iam_pakistan @Iam_Bremen @WeAreFiji @weareUAE”

“@DublinYMCA: #ff always interesting and new tweeters each week @ireland 🍀🍀🍀” thank you!

“@koth: #ff @TheHolyNumbers @ireland @worldirish” thanks!!

@theauldbogroad finger's crossed!

@coronanlimex great picture!!

@jdcp4 love it!!

@Tensai808 Ummmmm ....

@dylanvarian well said!

@fahadaliG love it!

@elbon2 love her!!

@obeoin perfect.

@LucerneBelle that's for sure!!

@cathalkeogh nuff said!

@jdoyle916 true enough!

In honor of Ireland winning boxing Gold, fill in the blank: the best thing about being Irish is ______________.

@KathOMeara still getting the hang of it!

@KathOMeara :) I usually have a ton of food in the carriage so by the time Im done emptying, it's time to pay, all the food having piled up!

@KathOMeara agree on both! And what's with not helping me bag my stuff?? :)

@d_cahill @unakavanagh haha!

@d_cahill good one!! Same in reverse. Americans don't say "I'm from America." It's US or the States. I started saying America when I moved!

@wyvernfriend agree!!

@johnmadden78 ooh ... Them's fightin' words!! ;)

@JohnMoynes @ribe6760 hmm ... Maybe I'll try that next.

@Lisa_Celtic so true!! Bloody Mary brunches need to get popular here, fast!!

@joeystrider I am her exact opposite! Ha!

@johnmadden78 very good point. It's different depending where you are in the States.

Well done & very funny! “@worldirish: A nice animation about Anthony Gentles, a Boston student who visited Ireland worldirish.com/listening-post…”

... Fashion. We're far more casual in the US. You go out suited & booted in Ireland, no matter the occasion. I had to step up my game! :)

Another US/Eire cultural difference? Fashion ...

@chris_mortimer @cathyby I think you're right. My career WAS who I was before I moved here. I was engrossed. Now it's just a part of me.

@chrisdaygalway enjoy your day as well.

@chrisdaygalway terrible & sad. I personally am against all capital punishment. Not my intention to debate the issue through this forum tho.

@chrisdaygalway the people I vote for are against capital punishment. No need to be so angry.

@LeojjKelly the first time I ordered eggs "over easy" here, Barry laughed and said "you get your eggs how you get your eggs!" too funny!!

@juneshannon hahaha!!!

@RunWithTina that's what I thought!

@wordhoarding have you been here long?

@chrisdaygalway not my area of expertise but go for it!

@psneeze agree

@nnimhaoileoin hysterical!!!

@MarketaDee good one!

@chrisdaygalway We don't in Massachusetts either.

well said! “@shamernick: @ireland It's hard to know what is friendly and what offends. So many cultures, so many rules :)”

@Claredaisy @sponsorie good idea not to just jump in with it! I made that mistake!

@wordhoarding excellent point. I think relying on "what do you do" also made me a lazier conversationalist. I'm inspired to improve!

...I was shocked! Even at networking events, I shouldn't ask that question?? I saw it as a natural opportunity to get to know someone ...

... That by asking someone I just met what they did for a living, I was appearing intrusive and not interested in them as a person ...

... Someone new, the first thing I would ask is "what do you do?" Well I was quickly clued in by my Irish boyfriend (slash cultural attaché)

... Of many if those differences til I finally moved to Ireland. When I first moved here, I didn't know many people, so when I'd meet ...

...including language, history, corporate players, political crossover, we also have some funky differences. I admit I wasn't fully aware...

...the USA, and I've heard from lots of Americans they are living in or have been to Ireland. For 2 countries that have so much in common...

Good morning all! US is sleeping so let's keep it down. :) I'm hearing from many of our Irish followers that they've visited or lived in...

@MirchiBaaji @zaidjilani @sweden. Thanks!!

@garethoconnor was up late! You were my last tweet for the day!

@brianherron So what line of work you in, Brian? ;)

@d_cahill that point was made to me as well - that I might appear too interested in what someone earns. Yikes!!! Not my interest at all!

@xfirefishx It seems so natural to me!

@deshocks glad it's not just the dopey Yank!!

@ribe6760 that's what I said!!

There are more stories where that came from! Have you guys ever bumped up against a surprise cultural difference in your US/Irish travels?

... It's fun to listen about other people's jobs! But apparently I was making people feel a little bombarded! Yikes!

@FraffieB really good point.

@wordhoarding WOW

@girl__friday totally!!

@psneeze I like it!

@obeoin that's true. I hear that a lot.

Hubba hubba “@obeoin: @ireland Americans dont understand the complete lack of dating in Ireland. We tend to "go on dates" after the fact.”

@girl__friday i agree with your friend!! A new business contact asked me for my mobile last week and I balked!!

@noelahogan good one!! Maybe that's what I should open with: Hi I'm Erin. I am not a revenue commissioner.

@aoifacrowley I am much more sensitive to it now!!

@suzybie it's a good point but it's not why I ask. I ask cuz it is a good way to get chat going w/someone new and I'm genuinely interested!

@CyRevenant glad I'm not the only one!

@suzybie that is understandable. I didn't fully appreciate the risk of someone feeling down or self conscious about their situation.

@d_cahill agreed!

@VikiMichaelis I think you're right.

@garethoconnor good morning!

@PatMcA @do_rand super helpful. Thanks so much.

@PatMcA no I haven't! I will have to look for it!

@joeystrider @do_rand thank you!

Can someone help with an answer re: Irish election laws? “@do_rand: @ireland Are there donation limits? Do candidates make attack ads?"

@natural20 Great choices!!

Ok, 1 more Q for today, in keeping with the theme. What's your favorite "political" movie? Here's some inspiration imdb.com/list/qc7AsV2Y5…

@tomosull2000 interesting perspective! I see you live in Canada now ... Hmm ... ;)

@BridgetFitz perfect.

@PatMcA :)

@LeedsBookClub President Spud?? :)

@PatMcA can I ask where in the US you're headed? Is it DC? A battleground state? All over?

@Julian_Lee76 I am still floored at how much Clinton is loved here, too. Thats not meant to be a judgment. He's just a rockstar here.

@joeystrider your statement goes along with your photo. Love it!

@not_hwa got it. Thanks for expanding. I think you're not alone there!!

@Julian_Lee76 ... I can't see it ever changing. I get your point completely.

@Julian_Lee76 system was under major scrutiny after George W's first election. If it wasn't changed after that protracted fight ...

@TymCon interesting observation!!

@patricktornado @texastoasther the media is an important issue in all this. Sometimes hard to tell between fact from opinion in coverage.

@MargaretEWard @claireprior have to admire it, really.

@MargaretEWard @claireprior so true. Same with running for office. Men go for it, no matter their weak spots. Confidence over capability...

Great discussion, guys. I'm learning a lot from your views. & thanks for being universally respectful, even though we're talking politics!

“@nerdist2: I love reading the tweets from accounts like @sweden @ireland @TwkUsa” love that you're reading!

@Smurphette85 aww thanks! I absolutely love Cork!! Family is from Bandon!

Am I wrong in saying the ideological / policy differences aren't that hugely different between Fine Gael & Fine Fail? Let me have it!!

how ideologically similar the primary parties seem to be. In US, there are huge policy and philosophical differences between Dems & Repubs

Warning: ignorant statement ahead. But one of the things that surprised me most about the Irish political party system was ...

@Julian_Lee76 i think you're spot on

@PatMcA two great spots. Disneyland for political junkies!! Enjoy!!

In addition, it's a presidential election year in the US. What do you all think about the coverage of the Obama and Romney campaigns? ...

This morning we asked our early birds about political campaigns. Ever worked on one in Ireland or US? See their stories & share your own!

Are you following the US presidential race at all, are you waiting til October to pay attention, or are you not too bothered about who wins?

@helpwithdebt amazing!!!

Lump in my throat, tears in my eyes! #katietaylor #irishfansarethebest #fieldsofathenry

Come on Katie!! #KatieTaylor #irishandproud

“@dominickianno: @ireland I also learned its never good form to offer to show a moderator one's tattoo during a debate” hahahahaha

@kencurtin @mdrn1 enjoy your hols!! No pressure whatsoever!

... I give the candidate's partner a lot of credit. It takes a lots of strength and sacrifice to be the support system.

... She was in the living room with their kids and extended family. They held each other and I could feel how they were true partners.

... Press secretary. When the tv station called it in our candidate's favor, he jumped up and said "where's my wife? Where's my Jan?" ...

... I stared at that phone like it was a bomb waiting to go off. I also got to watch results coming in w/ Governor, campaign manager & ...

On election night in '98 my one job was to sit next to the phone in the Governor's hotel suite & answer his opponent's concession call ...

Former national & statewide political strategist @DominickIanno - welcome to the party! You must have a tale or two!?

Well, Ken? :) “@MDRN1: @ireland Ask @kencurtin he'll talk for days about it. The master.”

@unakavanagh @joeystrider @saoili that's too bad. Wasn't in SUs so was unaware. Would students have mentors w/ political expertise?

@saoili @unakavanagh disappointing. That could turn someone off politics for good.

@unakavanagh @saoili why is that?

“@saoili: @ireland Does student politics count?” absolutely!!

So much fun! “@spiller2: great morning swapping campaign stories with @ireland, great memories of past elections and random events!”

So we're talking politics. A few great stories from campaign veterans! Who else has worked on a political campaign? Any favorite memories?

@spiller2 ha!!

@spiller2 imagine having the hutzpah to answer the door in your underwear?? I mean, is it confidence or complete I-don't-give-a-flip?

@spiller2 guts of steel!

@spiller2 film not great. Book amazing. You'll read it in 3 days.

@spiller2 ... And my "leaf drop" partner, across the road from me, was greeted by a man in his undies holding a gun. Earned my street cred!

@spiller2 on one particular street in a notoriously tough part of town, I was chased by a pitbull while the owner coaxed him on ...

@spiller2 it's about the 2008 US presidential election, but it's far more interesting / entertaining / relevant than many others.

@spiller2 definitely. The campaign was statewide, and MA has a similar population # to Ireland, so came across all kinds. The best & worst.

@spiller2 love it! Have you read Game Change? If not, you HAVE to. So good.

@spiller2 ha! Hopefully not likely in either place! But point taken. Freddy Kreuger was American after all.

@spiller2 ahh of course! :)

@spiller2 ... Ending up chopped into little pieces in someone's basement. Occupational hazards and what not.

@spiller2 fantastic. Door knocking was always my least favorite. Not sure which I was more afraid of ... Interrupting someone's dinner or ..

@spiller2 so cool! What's your particular area of expertise? Media guy? Grass roots? All around campaign genius?? :)

@Conor_Dixon @spiller2 great points.

@eddiewhyte for that campaign it was Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci. It was 1998 then. Great man to this day.

@spiller2 so I take it your a campaign veteran yourself?

@chrisdaygalway I do understand (and that's not meant to be patronizing either!)

@jacqs70 1) you have to be hard wired for it, 2) it teaches you what you are actually capable of 3) it's like camp for news junkies.

@Conor_Dixon @spiller2 I would agree. Soft skills & hard. Team work, humility, organization, stamina, strategic thinking, discipline.

@Jay29ers Loved that movie! But I watched it with someone who never worked on campaigns, and while I was all hyped up, he felt more cynical.

@chrisdaygalway I was legitimately interested in ideas for the rest of the week! Sorry if it came off that way.

@iandevlin I understand ur view. Lots of bad out there. Easy for us to become jaded, & rightfully so. I was lucky 2 work for some good ones.

@spiller2 we had hundreds of volunteer staff, but yes, about 20 of us were paid employees of the campaign. (Campaign manager on down to me.)

Campaign experience is like Vegas. 1) what happens there stays there, and 2) you never fully understand unless you've been there. :)

After months of 16 hour days, 7 days a week, incl. a few nights of sleeping on the office couch, our candidate was elected Governor of MA.

I loved every minute of it, even when I had to come clean about losing a Fed Ex package with a 1.5 million dollar check inside for TV ads.

... Love affairs, screaming matches, drastic weight gain, drastic weight loss, amazing strategic thinking, and major tactical blunders.

By the end of my first campaign (I was fresh out of college and the most junior of the paid staff) I had witnessed it all ...

On political campaigns, I never worked so hard and got paid so little. A team of people passionately working on 1 goal: get your guy to win.

@geckoinpdx drink 'Em up!

@ISWAHbook cool!

I've worked on 2 campaigns. Since then, I always love to talk to / hire / have pints with campaign veterans. It's like a survivors' club.

@chrisdaygalway I understand your view. If you have any other suggestions for topics, I'm all ears! :)

@jacqs70 glad you think so!

@ISWAHbook question was: who would you most like to have dinner with?

Anyone work or have worked in politics before? Be it at the national or local level? Campaigns or within administrations?

... Most Americans are sleeping at the moment, so we might get started without them and catch them up later! First thing's first ...

... Not necessarily a heated debate on political issues, but rather observations about Irish & US political cultures. The thing is ...

Morning! I'm looking forward to touching on the topic of politics with you all today. Hearing views from both sides of the Atlantic...

@rcav8r thanks Dave!

@AhJayzis That's a Dunkin Donuts cup in your hand and I want it.

@patmoroney you sound skeptical! Haha!

Good night, US! Good morning, Ireland! Love that #Ireland is trending today!

@55words she was the standard bearer!!

Cut it out, Bono! “@randygrice: @ireland Saw Bono outside Croke Park and couple of times in DC. He needs to stop following me around. ;)”

@mmeller aww ... That's a nice thought. Love your family photo. Beautiful children!

@gbibliophile he does the best American accent I've ever heard done by a Brit! Spot on!

@technopolitics :)

@fionahaughney @paulmwatson did you get any sleep??

@misscourtneys just make sure he doesn't eat your liver with some fava beans & a nice chianti!

@technopolitics how cool would that be?

@enorris whoa there, smarty pants

@poetjanstie no - anyone through history to present

@AleksisArnold flattery will get you everywhere!

Ok Final question for today before talking politics tomorrow: if u could have dinner with 1 celebrity (Olympians included!) who would it be?

@Cunobaros hysterical!!!

@jacqs70 @twklgbtq @twkusa @curatorsmexico @i_amgermany present! (hand raised ...)

@elbon2 fun!

@BunrattyMeadows beautiful!

@Todiguide ciao!!

@jacqs70 It's not for the faint of heart! It's not just a sport - it's a contact sport!

@Markkipper they are both uber fit! Hmm ... I might need a gym entourage, as well ...

@achillgooner it will be interesting to see!

@U2ThreeChords with a candle lit under it, shrine-like!!

@mkearley2008 no I worked for Gov Bill Weld & Gov Paul Cellucci. Left politics to work in private sector. Still a great love of mine tho!

@M_Verloc no I worked for His predecessors: Gov Weld (in college) and Gov Cellucci (post grad). Loved the experience!

@Markkipper the Fresh Prince himself!! Outstanding!!

@achillgooner It's an election year in the US. Debate with a capital D! :)

My dad is a political junkie, I Worked for two Mass Governors, and my brother currently works for a MA State Legislator. Runs in the fam!

In fact, in Massachusetts, politics is considered a sport. Rivals baseball & football for favorite pastime.

Thinking of talking US/Irish politics tomorrow. It's always a hot topic - if handled with respect for other views, it can be really fun.

Welcome to all our new followers this week! Today's topics: 1- Olympics (who you're rooting for) & 2- celebrity sightings (who you've met!)

@Eoin_Dineen you are right if they apply in advance for an absentee ballot. (which reminds me ...)

@joeystrider cool! If you have any suggestions for topics/questions, feel free to share!

@do_rand I worked for Governor Bill Weld & Governor Paul Cellucci. Brother works for a State Leg whose district includes Worcester, MA.

@mmeller so nice!

@mkearley2008 yes, Weld & Cellucci were socially liberal, fiscally conservative Republicans.

@olearyconor that's awesome! Love him in In Treatment. Very broody.

@lecraic too funny!

@Markkipper it is pretty damn cool, I must admit!

@Todiguide oh well! Better luck next time!!

@the_WineStore ahahahahahaha

@dancetotipp stuff of life!!! Fantastic memory!!

@lecraic did you swoon?!

@EoghanOSulliva2 I absolutely do! It's in my original fanny pack in my old bedroom in my parents' house. Yeah, I said fanny pack.

@conorleeson without a doubt! Plus, Bela Carolyi was her coach!!

@Julian_Lee76 never!!

@the_WineStore very cool!!! Was he dreamy??

I've heard Beyonce, Britney, Bono, Mariah and Paul (Young!) Who else has a fun celebrity sighting story? #celebritysighting

@orla_tinsley I LOVE that story! I can totally picture her saying that in her Southern twang!!

@Julian_Lee76 hey it worked. I was smitten. And shocked at how short he was!

My first time in Ireland, I met Bono in a pub in Wicklow. He drew me a flower and wrote "Flower for Erin, Bono '94." I couldn't speak.

@tim_brannigan stones of steel, my friend.

Ok slight diversion. @Ireland follower @tim_brannigan just told me he got to meet (and kiss) Beyonce. Who has a fun celebrity tale to share?

@tim_brannigan just snort-laughed.

@tim_brannigan I'm so jealous! Did she smell like pomegranates and clean laundry? I bet she did. She is beyond.

@TammieTempleman of course! That must have been it!!

@tim_brannigan wait, you kissed Beyonce?? Pray tell!

@tim_brannigan close but not quite!

@DustinGraves430 runners / sprinters are amazing athletes. Like, machines.

... I only realized later how major that was for such a young girl. I still really admire Mary Lou Retton. #rolemodel #London2012

... Reagan was president at the time fighting the Cold War, yet I was a kid with no notion about the political significance of the event ...

Before Mary Lou, we hadn't a chance against Romania & the USSR. Eastern Europeans dominated gymnastics ... #London2012

My favorite #London2012 event is women's gymnastics. I was 8 years old & totally in awe when Mary Lou Retton won Gold for USA in 1984.

@DenisODonovan better start shopping!

@rcav8r makes it so much more fun when it's personal!!

@DenisODonovan just kidding - I get it. Not everyone's cup of tea! But I bet you kick puppies & hate Christmas, don't you? ;)

@jacqs70 that will be awesome!!

@DenisODonovan bah humbug! :)

@slkav ;)

@zeljka8 ;)

@mkearley2008 would have loved to have been there!

... My female colleague tells me her fave #London2012 event is men's diving but she doesn't even like sports ... Hmm ...

So what about you guys? Who are you rooting for in the #London2012 Olympics? Any favorite events?

@sailvarmint unlucky :(

@TWkUSA woot woot!

@tombellino thanks!!

@jacqs70 twice the fun!

@mkearley2008 thanks Jim!

@HeatherColson if only!! :)

... How 'bout that Phelps kid? :). #London2012

... Irish Sailor Annalise Murphy who made us all proud with an admirable 4th place finish. Amazing athletes all around! ... Oh and ...

So proud of Aly Raisman, gold-winning gymnast from my home state of Mass., Irish boxing medal winner-to-be Katie Taylor, & of course ...

One of the many benefits of being an American in Ireland: two countries to root for in the #London2012 Olympics! ...

@aishlingfarrell Sully's burgers, baby!

@HeatherColson aww ... John Lester's pitching tonight. Hope he does better than the last game he pitched against the Rangers. Go Sox!!!

@MsButcherLimk fantastic part of the city! Right in the thick of things!

@chippewasquare I love me some Filene's Basement!!

@SineadHerself nice! Lots of Irish in B-water!

@hilarylennon awesome!

@TomMcCarthyCork oh that's terrible. I'm sorry about that! No excuse.

@TomMcCarthyCork it was probably my parents. ;)

@hilarylennon Scituate is beautiful! Just thinking about it i can smell the sea. Lots of tanned skin, blond hair & Lily Pulitzer dresses!

@cdscally I grew up in Medford so I was more an Orange Line gal myself. Wellington Station baby! :)

@katerdownes I totally agree. Just interesting to hear people's impressions.

@ShantiHolistic yes, there's a cool, old-world, but young vibe in both places.

@cdscally I love Cleveland Circle! You must know the Green Line pretty well!!

@TomMcCarthyCork speed chess! Awesome! Glad we were (mostly) friendly. Sometimes we have a rep of bring a bit closed off. New England chill!

@Maria_Aylward and then I discovered SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the funky neighborhoody parts. Much more my vibe.

@Maria_Aylward I found NYC to be an acquired taste. Had to visit several times to learn my way around. I used to just get stuck in Times Sq

@mushacles I'm a big fan of Cambridge. All those SMAHT people at Harvard & MIT. My Grandfather was a cop there. Great Irish pubs!

@CalypsoIT Franklin is lovely! Glad you enjoy your visits. Yes, waterways are lovely, and more connected now that the Big Dig is done!

@HildaCollins I know Quincy well. Great beaches and Marina Bay of course! Lots of fun Irish pubs as well. Glad you like Boston. :)

@KenbieMac love this! I have many t-shirts to similar effect. Wore one last week & guy asked if I was from Boston. I thought he knew me!

@tombellino Aah, Chicago ... My kind of town! Hosting a US / Ireland business event there in the fall. So many Irish connections!

@julieolry I love Little Italy! (also known as the North End). I used to live there, in a 4th floor walk-up the size a postage stamp!

@Leabharlannai80 I agree too!

@KenbieMac it's 5 o'clock somewhere! :)

@Maria_Aylward while I love NY, I secretly love that you said that. They are our arch enemies in baseball. Boston Red Six v NY Yankees! :)

Anyone visited or lived in Boston? What do you think? Were we friendly (I hope!) Any fave places or memories? Remind you of Dublin at all?

Lots of Irish people I talk to have either visited Boston or lived there for a time. There is a huge Irish & Irish American population.

... Reminds me a bit of Beacon Hill in Boston. Old (for US standards!), but quaint & grand at the same time. And lots of great restaurants.

Morning everyone! Heading into the office. We just moved to Fitzwilliam Sq, and I'm loving the location. Beautiful architecture, great buzz.

@FizaIsa WILD. :)

@sevebeav oh I understand! I'm a city girl, so bit of a difference there, but I understand completely. :)

@m2thefizzle just did! Hee hee!

By special request, myself and Annie Balls, the Drag Queen Bingo hostess at Gilbert & Wrights in Malahide! Night, all! pic.twitter.com/yuv1LTDM

@JeffHar73 Gilbert & Wright's in Malahide :)

@wholesomeIE love it here!

@m2thefizzle ok one more tweet :) Gilbert & Wright's in Malahide has Bingo on Monday nites, hosted by drag queen Annie Balls. Hilarious!

Thanks for some fun & interesting chat, everyone. Signing off til tomorrow. Off to Drag Queen Bingo at my local here in Malahide!!

@TomTDowling @topgold that's good to hear.

@Conor_Kenny @bay10k I don't really monitor my time. I just focus on crossing the finish line. And I did. Barely. :)

@KathOMeara hmm ... Maybe I will in time. Still love my ice!

@TomTDowling I know - I was being a goof. ;)

@Conor_Kenny @bay10k yes! Great race!

@topgold @tomtdowling the beds are bigger in the US, too! Hmm ....

@KathOMeara I do agree - and portion sizes always surprise me when I go back!

@TomTDowling I never realized how Americans were considered fat by the rest of the world until I moved. Mixture of truth & Jerry Springer!

@OfficialEoin yes, cost of health care is a major issue in the US. Didn't come up today, but speaking from experience it's a crucial issue.

@chrisdaygalway good point. I meant Americans as a whole, but of course you're right.

... Hospitals, and social welfare systems. Some opined that in general, owning land/house has deeper meaning to the Irish than to Americans.

Also, consensus was that Americans are fatter, have "posher" hospitals, and give leaner social welfare benefits. What do you guys think?

Comparisons of the US & Ireland were a hot topic at BBQ today with an Irish crowd. Some areas of discussion: real estate, health/obesity...

@TWkNYC @empirestatebldg very cool!!!

@rcav8r Dalkey is great! Love the village feel. And the restaurants!

Beautiful food at the BBQ: lots of salads, meat & veggie burgers, and special surprises for the American: Magic Hat beer and Oreos!

@DuineEileAmhain yes! I'm at @runmurphyrun as well.

At a post-race BBQ in Dalkey, hosted by Irish friends who lived in Boston for a bit. Great blend of cultures! We Yanks love our BBQs!

@carmencrash @wearefrance @sweden @londonisyours @wichitaproblemz come visit!

@oonaghmurphy thank you Oonagh!

@davidod thank you David!

@misteil @bay10k woot woot!!

@unakavanagh @bay10k thanks, Una!

@misteil there was a Go Erin Go banner held by a beautiful little red head named Kate. (Her mommy is my good friend!)

@peterdaly10 thanks, Peter!

@oonaghmurphy must have been another Yank!! :)

@len_patrick @helenamoloney thank you!

@TomTDowling thanks so much, Tom!

@auntyamo thank you!

@sevebeav how are you finding it? Do you feel settled in?

@DaraghLally thanks!

@DaraghLally oh how I miss the sun! Although today is gorgeous!!

@Marcc68 @cagssoc :) the Irish are great at the art of not hurting your feelings.

@KathOMeara cool to hear. Everything from culture to food to language to politics to business practices to fashion. all up for discussion!

@misteil @bay10k woot woot!!

@DuineEileAmhain yes, I'm In Dublin. We should have a chat offline!

Finished the Bay 10k and admiring the work of my cheering squad!! Well done to all the runners and volunteers!! pic.twitter.com/SDAGW2hH

8 k mark. Slow & steady wins the race!

@Maria_Aylward @anseoamuinteoir great recommendation. Just got into the yoga / running set. I really helps to see the same faces each week.

@Marcc68 beautiful!

@DuineEileAmhain I was VP at Boston Chamber of Commerce. Before that was at Polaroid Corp & worked in politics.

@AnseoAMuinteoir agree!! But I'm determined!! :)

@cagssoc laughing on the train! Love it!

@MarketsAlive thanks so much for the recommendation!!

@OllyGriffin thanks, Olly!!

@Marcc68 cork is my favorite place on earth. My family is from Bandon!

@BridgetFitz I know! Grew up with lots of girls named Colleen, Kerri, and Shannon, too. Lots of plastic paddy pride in Boston!! :)

@AnseoAMuinteoir agree! And sometimes girls can take a while to wear down! :)

@cagssoc :) too funny!!

For now though, I'm off to attempt the Bay 10k with a bruised heel & a blister of epic proportions. Yikes! Need to find my inner Olympian!

This week I look forward to chatting about Irish perceptions of America, American perceptions of Ireland, and other fun topics.

@AnseoAMuinteoir it takes a while! I've been in Ireland for 17 months, Malahide for 11. Making good girlfriends is so important - & slow!

@posephoto thanks! Happy to be here!

@Marcc68 good morning! Just opened the day by asking who has made a move for love. Such cool responses and they're still coming in!

@geckoinpdx based on love! But ancestry definitely helped. I feel very at home here! & I have family still in Cork, Dublin & now the North.

@thegreenandred god bless you!! :)

@KenbieMac um ... Duh ... what do you think my side job is? :)

@AnseoAMuinteoir even moving cities is an adjustment. I get the mostly part!! :)

@DustinGraves430 wow! Such an adventure!! Love finds a way!

@thegreenandred #gluttonsforpunishment!

@IrishLjo thanks so much!

@Daracho thanks, Darach!

@karlodwyer I get your point completely. But having been here several times since 1994 before moving, I got it. A lot of people don't, tho.

@karlodwyer ... Every country should keeps those stories alive. But I would also say that modern Ireland doesn't hit home unless you visit.

@karlodwyer hi Karl. I would say Americans are taught about the history that shaped Ireland (famine, struggles) which is important AND...