Seaview Stories Newsletter 19

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Special 'Goin' Green' Edition
 
(In honor of St. Patrick's Day, when 'Going green' has become a festive, if unofficial celebration, and 'everybody's Irish ' at least for the day.)
 

'As you slide down the banister of life,may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!' Old Irish saying

 

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Shamrock

The Shamrock* is a three leaf clover and while not an official symbol of Ireland, hey, it's green.
 
The word  is derived from the Irish 'seamrog' or 'seamair'.
 
A four leaf clover, which is a derivative, is said to bring good luck to whomever finds it.
 
*Photo is public domain courtesy of Wikepedia.

What's the difference between a Scottish and Irish kilt?
 
It's generally believed that the kilt originated in the highlands of Scotland but that the garment was adopted by the Irish in recognition of Celtic identity. However that theory is still in debate so the answer is nobody really knows.
 

Did you know?
 
Corned Beef and Cabbage,  'traditional' St. Patrick's Day fare for St. Patrick's Day in America, isn't really Irish.
 
Oh, it's based on an old world dish using cabbage and salt pork, but Corned Beef was so inexpensive and plentiful during the wave of Irish immigration to the US during the great potato famine that it became 'Irish' in the minds and hearts of  most people here.
 

In 'Terrible Leprechaun' it's revealed that a leprechaun can only be seen by someone who can trace ancestors to 'the old sod'. That got me to thinking. Whom amoung our gallant crew and the odd 'guest' might also have snuck a peek...

Nelson, Harriman:
 
Nelson is from Gaelic Niall or Nikolaus, and also has Anglo Scandanavian roots. The name means 'Champion'. Rather appropriate for our Admiral who also  has more than enough of the old sod through his wicked ancestor Shamus O'Hara Nelson.
 
The given name Harriman is Ancient Anglo Saxon, from the original French Hermant or German  Heriman or Hereman,  meaning ‘warrior’ and is believed to have come to England during the Norman Conquest.

 

Of course aboard Seaview it also means ‘Hairy Man’. See Return of the Beast.
 
O'Hara Nelson, Shamus:
 
O'Hara is of Irish origin, an Anglicized version of the Gaelic O' H  Eaghra meaning 'descendant of Eaghra'.
 
Shamus aka Seamus is of Irish Gaelic meaning 'James'.
 
Crane, Lee:
 
The origin of Crane is Middle English and Scottish, actually a nickname for someone tall with long legs after the bird Cranuc or Cornuc.
 
Amazing how appropriate the Captain's surname turned out!
Lee is from Old English meaning 'meadow'.
 
Even though his name isn't Irish,  Lee Crane  must have a little bit of the 'old sod' in him, as he 'felt' the presence of the evil Micheal Moore O'Shaunessy, Leprechaun.
 
And of course, a name doesn't always mean it belonged to one's parents. Names can be adopted, altered, bestowed, and invented. Some folks just decide to change their names into something they like. (Just take a look at all that voyage fanfiction-where Crane has a multitude of origins)
 
Morton, Chip:
 
The surname Morton originates from  Anglo Saxon, Old English, and Scottish,  literally 'from the Moor'.
 
Etymologically, Chip is a diminutive of Charles and/or Christopher. It's also a nickname for 'Chip off the old block' used for a son so like his father.
 
When the good Leprechaun Patrick visits, he has no inkling of the elf's presence.
 
O'Brien, Frank:
 
Of Irish origin, O'Brien means' 'From Brian', in honor or descent from King Brian Boru.
 
Frank is from the ancient Germanic meaning the Frankish tribe, the word 'Frank' actually meaning the type of spear they used.
 
Jones, 'Curley' (only has a first name in fanficiton):
 
Jones if from the Old English meaning 'son of John'.
 
Sharkey, Francis:
 
Irish, originally O' Sharkey, meaning 'beloved'. Not only has the Chief Irish ancestors, but he's quite a believer in the little people, one of few people favored with actually  communicating with them on a personal level.
 
Clark, (only has a first name in fanficiton):
 
Scottish, meaning a clerk, clergyman, a scholar who can read and write.
 
Malone, (only has a first name in fanfiction):
 
Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Maoil Eoin which means  ‘descendant of the devotee of (Saint) John’. Very common in County Clare and pronounced Maloon there.
 
Kowalski, (only has a first name in fanfiction):
 
Polish, orig. meaning Blacksmith, akin to 'Smith'
 
Patterson,(only has a first name in fanficiton):
 
Scottish, meaning Patrick's son.
 
Riley, Stu:
 
Various origins of Riley include Old English for 'Rye Clearing' and  from the Irish,Gaelic, and Scottish, meaning courageous and valiant.
 
Stu  is a nickname variant of Stewart orig. English 'Stig' & 'Weard' meaning one who guards the house.
 
Starke, Jiggs:
 
Stark/Starke has it's origins from the Anglo Saxon Starc and the German Starck, meaning strong and firm to the utmost. Wow, were those writers right on the button!
 
And of course, we dare not forget the late Captain John Phillips, who's surname is from the Greek Philippos meaning 'he who loves horses'.
 
John is a name which can trace it's roots to ancient Hebrew, meaning  'Jehova is Gracious'.
 

Patrick Moore O'Shaunnessy
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"I know we're supposed to do our part by 'going green', but this is ridiculous!"

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"You can't be serious Admiral! You really want me to climb this beanstalk?"

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"I'm sorry lads, all I asked the fanfiction writers for was a nice spinach salad."

Memo

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

Re: Going Green

 

Lt. Cmdr. Jackson has informed me  that you may have taken my new orders about ‘going green’ a bit too seriously.

 

It’s one thing to grow some plants aboard. They increase morale and oxygen, however, when they clog the equipment, it’s going too far.

 

In addition, I understand that Cabbage is now a staple on the menu. Do I have to remind you that serving this frequently could lead to an explosive situation? 

 

From: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

We have already taken care of exessive plant growth. It won’t be long before the rest is removed from the Reactor, Control, and Missile Rooms. But we'd like to keep the African Violets. They’re soft and fuzzy and have become service plants. You know, something to stroke and pet during those stressful situtations. 

 

As for Cabbage, it will remain on the menu, espeically with Corned Beef. We’re in the Irish Sea so we thought it would be good PR, especially with it being so close to St. Patrick’s Day. Besides, Doc has an OTC pill specifically designed for any side effects. We’re also serving green eggs and ham.

 

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

Re: Going Green

 

PR is one thing, but and Corned Beef and Cabbage is not actually an Irish dish. Ask Agent Catfish. Green eggs and ham? Don’t tell me Harry orders your foodstuffs from Army surplus or Dr. Seus? 

 

I've also been informed you've taken to dying your ties and khaki’s green, which  is going way overboard.  I realize the color  goes with your eyes somewhat, and certainly must be dashing with Harriman’s red hair, but as Reserve officers, I am compelled to put you both on report for being out of uniform!  

 

And you must order your crew to cease and desist from stroking the Aftrican Violets even  if they are furry. No pets are allowed aboard Seaview!

 

From: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

Gee, Admiral, is there no pleasing you? We’ve done everything in our power to ‘go green’. The only thing left is to capture a Leprechaun and demand the granting of three fine wishes.

 

From: Adm. Harriman Nelson, SSRN Seaview somewhere at sea

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

Crane informs me you've been badgering him regarding his attempts to follow your orders to 'go green.' Cease and desist yourself. My crew may pet the African Violets (which have propogated quite sucessfully in the Reactor Room quite nicely) as often as they wish.

 

I understand Naval rules and regulations will force us to revert back to our normal black ties and biege  khaki’s, however, I'll have to put my foot down about Lee removing  green dye from his hair. Its far too helpful for us to keep an eye on him when he's off undercover, even without night vision goggles. 

 

As for me, well,  at least Sharkey is happily downing some real Irish Whiskey (his wish) that won’t deplete my own personal supply. They we’ll treat ourselves to some freshly made Irish soda bread with home churned butter (Morton's wish).

 

Lee hasn't made up his mind yet about what he wants to wish for but I won't be surprised if I wake up some fine morning to find Seaview painted red...It's a Crane thing.

 

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Adm. Harriman Nelson, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

Re: Going Green

 

Wishes? What wishes? What the devil is going on down there?

 

From: Adm. Harriman Nelson, SSRN Seaview somewhere at sea

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

In answer to your question, well, if you'll ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies(common pirate quote)...oops, sorry Jiggs, wrong episode...

 

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

Re: Going Green

 

Pirate quotes? Have you all gone quite mad? I realize Seaview undertakes hazardous duty, but it was a simple mission to the Irish Sea. I'm reccomending a complete pysch evaluation for all hands upon your return.

 

From: Adm. Harriman Nelson, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

Sorry, we'll be delayed  in Boston for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and a party at City Hall. Don't worry, we'll abide by Naval rules and regulations and wear our khakis. Lee will fit right in the celebration with his greenish (sometimes) eyes, and dyed hair, I’ll be wearing a shamrock, and Sharkey a four leaf clover. And just so you don’t feel left out, I’m sending you a bonefide Irish kilt, the Starke tartan no less for the St. Patrick's Day parade in Honolulu.

 

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

Re: Going Green

 

There’s no way I’m wearing a kilt!  

 

From: Adm. Harriman Nelson, SSRN Seaview somewhere at sea

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

Better than wearin a grass skirt. I expect you to do your civic duty, even if it's not an official holiday and you do outrank me.

 

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Adm. Harriman Nelson, Boston 

Re: Going Green

 

St. Patrick's Day in Honolulu. Won first prize for best costume.  The prize was suppposed to be 2 cans of green paint. But they'd made an error and it turned out to be red.

 

From: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, Boston

To: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

Re: Going Green

 

Congrats on the kilt sir! I don't suppose you'd care to donate that paint? I know a very special lady who would just love it.

 

From: Adm. Jiggs Starke, ComSubPac

To: Adm. Harriman Nelson, Boston 

Re: Going Green

 

Don't you dare paint Seaview red, Crane! The very idea!

 

From: Cmdr. Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview, somewhere at sea

To: Lt. Cmdr. Joe Jackson, ComSubPac

 

Hi Joe. Have some very nice African Violets for your Mother. Let her know I'll have them waiting for her when she comes out here on her vacation.

 

Odd communications from Starke the past few days. Seemed to have the idea I was going to paint Seaview red. As if two cans of paint would be enough!

 

PS: If Starke's not going to use them, set them aside for me in the stockroom. Mark them, 'Top Secret.'

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