Corb7 International March 16th, 2022 Newsletter

International Business 

Editor's Note

A Tribute to St. Patrick's Day!

 "May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand” 
- Traditional Gaelic Blessing

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day and many consider it their favorite holiday.  Normally, celebrations tend to be short on formality, long on fun and synonymous with various sights, sounds and symbols that make the holiday so special.  With COVID-19, and now the war in Ukraine, this will be the third St. Paddy's in a row that is not normal. Nevertheless, we see brighter days ahead and with this edition wanted to give a special nod to a holiday which is synonymous with social gatherings and fund.
     
There is of course, a business side to the 17th of March.  Total spending for St. Patrick's Day can get as high as $6 billion in a typical year, as people shell out for plenty of corned beef and fake leprechaun beards. More than 125 million Americans plan to mark the occasion in some way, which is approximately 30x the population of Ireland.  We thought it might be fun to take a quick look at this holiday throughout this edition of our newsletter for its history, cuisine and offer a few tips on the almost inevitable over consumption of alcohol.  

Shamrock

In ancient Ireland, the shamrock symbolized rebirth, particularly the rebirth of warmer weather. But the shamrock also has more specific ties to St. Patrick, and remains one of the most recognizable symbols associated with his feast day. Historians believe that, on his return to Ireland (a native of Great Britain, St. Patrick was first taken to Ireland after being kidnapped by pirates, later returning as a Christian missionary after his release), St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach the natives about the Holy Trinity. In fact, an image of St. Patrick holding a shamrock first appeared on coins in 1675. The shamrock's status as a symbol would continue to evolve when it became a figure of Irish patriotism during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. In 2003, the shamrock was registered as an international trademark by the Irish government.

Irish Session

St. Patrick's Day celebrants who are not of Irish descent and/or those who have never visited Ireland may not know it, but the live music they may hear when entering a pub on St. Patrick's Day is an integral part of the fabric of Irish culture. An Irish Session typically finds a group of musicians gathered in a pub to play traditional Irish music, oftentimes while seated at a table among their audience. While many pubs reserve stage areas for their musicians on St. Patrick's Day, the spirit of session is still present, as musicians often interact with the audience.

The Tricolor

Many establishments display the familiar Irish tricolor flag on St. Patrick's Day, and parade goers may even wave miniature versions of this significant symbol in support of those marching. This instantly recognizable flag has a rich history. Equal parts green, white and orange, the flag was designed to foster peace in the country that had experienced considerable turmoil due to the divide between the country's Protestant and Catholic residents. The green in the flag represents the Irish Catholics, while the orange represents the Irish Protestants. The white is a symbol of hope for peace between the two factions. Though Ireland established the tricolor as its national flag in 1921, it first appeared much earlier when Irish national Thomas Francis Meagher unfurled it in 1848.

Green

The color green is everywhere come St. Patrick's Day, but celebrants may be surprised to learn that blue is the color that was once most affiliated with St. Patrick himself. Numerous paintings depict St. Patrick wearing blue vestments. But green is the color now most instantly associated with Ireland, which is widely referred to as the "Emerald Isle." Ireland's lush countryside and rolling green hills attract millions of visitors each year.

Cuisine

Corned beef and cabbage might not be a part of many people's diet regimens throughout the year. But come March 17, it's not uncommon to find people from all walks of life indulging in this beloved meal.

March 17 marks the celebration of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over the years, the day has also become a celebration of the Emerald Isle. Such celebrations tend to feature corned beef and cabbage, even though the dish may have little to do with Ireland (and even less to do with St. Patrick). The precise origins of the link between corned beef and St. Patrick's Day remain a topic of debate, but some historians say the corned beef enjoyed today can be traced to New York City's Irish immigrant population in the 19th and 20th centuries, who popularized a salted meat made from brisket that was then sold by Jewish butchers. Regardless of the authenticity of its link to Ireland, corned beef is delicious and many modern Paddy's Day celebrants wouldn't think of going without it on March 17th.
 



Our boys! Harley & Blue.

International Business 

Business Culture  

How Ireland Became One of the Wealthiest Nations!

 We came across the above video and thought it a perfect fit to this edition.  Here is a brief account as to how Ireland turned its back on socialism, cut corporate taxes and became the 4th wealthiest nation in the world. - maybe. 

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International Business 

Offshore Perspective 

Doing Business In and Through Ireland

(And the Many Ties to the United States)

Ireland:
Location:  West of Great Britain.
Capital City:  Dublin
Population:  4,937,786
Language Spoken:  English, Irish Gaelic
International Time:  EST + 5 hours
Airline Service:  Delta, Charter flights, Aer Lingus
Currency:  Euro
Type of Government:  Parliamentary Republic

Ireland is a small island nation, but its diminutive size does not mean it doesn't have a storied history. Celtic influences and Christianity have played a strong role in helping Ireland become what it is today.

Prior to the arrival of Christianity, there was not much written history of Ireland, as much information was passed through rich but spoken tales. It's believed the Celtic culture began to evolve in Ireland between 800 and 400 BC. The ancient Celts were various tribes living in several parts of Europe north of the Mediterranean. Although it's easy to imagine Celtic warriors invading Ireland like the Vikings and Normans did many years later, historians believe the Celts integrated their customs more gradually through trade and travel. The last of the Celts to arrive in Ireland, the Goidelic and Gaelic, are perhaps best known for their influences on the country.

St. Patrick is revered and celebrated for bringing Christianity to Ireland, but in his book, "The Story of Ireland," Irish author Neil Hegarty states that early Christians were most likely Britons who were brought to Ireland as slaves. In 431 AD, Bishop Palladius arrived from Rome to minister to any "Irish believing in Christ." However, St. Patrick is more widely credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Proximity to Britain put Ireland in the eyes of the monarchy. In 1167, Anglo-Normans under the direction of England's King Henry II were able to take possession of the island. When Henry VIII became king in 1541, Ireland became formally united under the British crown.

The area that would eventually be called Northern Ireland has seen its share of conflict. In 1601, Scottish farmers, craftsmen and other settlers arrived at the port of Donaghadee to create the Plantation of Ulster, a British (Protestant) settlement. Gaelic landowners were expelled, and this area would be in turmoil for a century to come.

An effort to regain an Irish-controlled country and one that supported Catholicism became a common theme in Irish history. The Irish Catholic Confederation was one attempt to do just that, as was the Irish Rebellion of 1798. In 1829, Daniel O'Connell's Catholic Association frightened the British with the threat of anarchy in Ireland.

The Easter Rising in 1916, which seized key government buildings in Dublin, would help set the course for the Irish War of Independence. In this uprising, the Irish Republican Army fought against British security forces. As a result of this uprising, Northern Ireland, a small area of the island, was partitioned to become a British-controlled area.

From 1916 to 1937, Ireland held the status of a dominion. In 1937, a new constitution was adopted, and Ireland became a republic, though Northern Ireland remained under British control. Northern Ireland continued to be a conflict-driven portion of the island, and tensions boiled over when British soldiers shot 28 unarmed civilians during a peaceful protest on January 30, 1972, in Derry. Known as "Bloody Sunday," or the "Bogside Massacre," this incident was just one of many significant events that were ultimately referred to as "The Troubles."

More peaceful interactions have occurred in recent years thanks in part to the Good Friday Agreement signed in 1998. Today, Ireland ranks among the 25 wealthiest countries in the world. Though Irish history has its fair share of turmoil, the country has endured and is today among the most influential nations in the world.

U.S. relations with Ireland have long been based on common ancestral ties and shared values. In addition to regular dialogue on political and economic issues, the U.S. and Irish governments benefit from a robust slate of exchanges in areas such as commerce, culture, education, and scientific research.

Ireland is the gateway to Europe for over 700 US companies, who employ over 155,000 people.   Multinational companies have chosen Ireland as their strategic European base due to our pro-business environment and attractive taxation rates. Ireland has one of the lowest corporation tax rates in Europe at 12.5%. Many high-tech firms, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter, base their European operations in Ireland.  Apple which is the first company ever to be valued at $1 trillion rearranged its tax affairs substantially in 2015 in response to changes in Irish tax law. With sales of some     
€ 119 billion going through its Irish operation, Apple is now Ireland's largest company.

Ireland has never been fully been considered a tax haven by either the OECD or the EU Commission.  Legislation, however,  heavily favors the establishment and operation of corporations, and the economic environment is very hospitable for all business, especially those invested in research, development, and innovation.   

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Lifestyle

Fitness 

The Cure!

For many revelers, St. Patrick's Day wouldn't be the same without Guinness, which is among Ireland's most famous exports. This world renowned and easily recognizable Irish dry stout traces its origins to 1758, when Arthur Guinness began creating it at his brewery at St. James's Gate in Dublin. The black beer and its familiar white head instantly evoke images of Ireland for millions of people across the globe. While hosts outside of Ireland might not be able to find a keg of the black stuff for their Paddy's Day party, it is widely available in cans.

St. Patrick's Day is among the most festive days of the year. Whether you trace your ancestry to the Emerald Isle or not, chances are you have donned some green, danced a jig and/or hoisted a pint of Guinness in honor of St. Patrick on March 17.

The festive atmosphere on St. Patrick's Day compels some people to overindulge in alcohol. While medical experts warn against such behavior, cautioning adults to only consume alcohol in moderation, many Paddy's Day revelers throw such caution to the wind. In such instances, a post-Paddy's Day hangover may be on tap. Many people have their own hangover cures, which may or may not be effective. For those with no such cures in their arsenals, the following strategies may be just the thing to make the day after St. Patrick's Day go more smoothly.

· Stay hydrated throughout St. Patrick's Day. If you're going to be hoisting pints on St. Patrick's Day, hoist glasses of water throughout the day as well. The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking recommends drinking water while consuming alcohol. The IARD notes that alcohol acts as a diuretic. That means that when the body breaks down alcohol, it removes water from the blood through your urine. That can contribute to dehydration, creating some of the more unpleasant effects associated with being hungover. Drink some water with each alcoholic beverage you consume.

· Consume electrolytes. According to Merck Source, alcohol interferes with the liver and pancreas, which can result in an imbalance of electrolytes. Electrolytes affect various parts of your body, including muscle function and other important processes. The medical resource Everyday Health notes that consuming electrolyte-rich beverages, including sports drinks, can restore the salt and potassium lost as a result of consuming alcohol.

· Get to the gym. While it might seem impossible after a night spent overindulging in alcohol, some moderate exercise may help you feel better, at least mentally. Make sure you're fully hydrated before hitting the gym so you're less vulnerable to muscle cramps or injury, and drink water while exercising as well. Exercise releases neurochemicals and hormones, including endorphins, that can help boost your mood and provide some energy on a day when you might benefit from both of those things.

St. Patrick's Day hangovers can be overcome with a handful of strategies. 

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Lifestyle

Spirits 

The History of Irish Coffee

The origins of Irish coffee are sometimes debated, though many historians trace the beverage to a stormy night in Ireland. One fateful night in 1943, Irishman Joe Sheridan was called back to work at the restaurant and coffee shop at the Foynes Airbase Flying Boat terminal in County Limerick. A flight that had recently departed for Newfoundland was forced to return to the airport that night due to inclement weather. According to the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, Sheridan was asked to make something for the passengers to help them stay warm. Before serving some freshly made coffee, Sheridan decided to add a little Irish whiskey, and the rest is history.

The popularity of Irish coffee is undeniable, and some of that popularity likely stems from how easy it can be to make the drink at home. Though Irish coffee is a straightforward beverage, the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum offers the following tips for those who want to whip up a batch that would make Sheridan proud.

1. Preheat an Irish coffee glass by filling it with boiling water. Keep the water in the glass for 5 seconds, and then pour the water out.

2. Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of Irish whiskey into the warmed glass.

3. Fill the glass to within 1 centimeter (a little less than half an inch) of the brim of the glass with hot and strong black coffee. Stir well so all of the brown sugar dissolves.

4. Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon. The goal is to ensure the cream floats on top of the coffee.

5. Do not stir after adding the cream. It's important to avoid stirring because the Irish coffee will be most flavorful if you drink the coffee and whiskey through the cream.

A pint of Guinness might be a must for millions of St. Patrick's Day celebrants across the globe. But those who want something a little warmer can try their hands at Irish coffee as they toast the patron saint of Ireland this March. 

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Lifestyle

Cuisine  

The Best Corned Beef & Cabbage!

Corned beef and cabbage might not be a part of many people's diet regimens throughout the year. But come March 17, it's not uncommon to find people from all walks of life indulging in this beloved meal.

March 17 marks the celebration of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over the years, the day has also become a celebration of the Emerald Isle. Such celebrations tend to feature corned beef and cabbage, even though the dish may have little to do with Ireland (and even less to do with St. Patrick). The precise origins of the link between corned beef and St. Patrick's Day remain a topic of debate, but some historians say the corned beef enjoyed today can be traced to New York City's Irish immigrant population in the 19th and 20th centuries, who popularized a salted meat made from brisket that was then sold by Jewish butchers.

Regardless of the authenticity of its link to Ireland, corned beef is delicious and many modern Paddy's Day celebrants wouldn't think of going without it on March 17. Those who want to cook up their own can try this recipe for "Corned Beef and Cabbage" from Arthur Schwartz's "New York City Food" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang).

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Serves 6 to 8

Cook a whole brisket with both sections together with all its fat. (You can trim off the fat after the meat is cooked.) Whole brisket and second-cut corned beef brisket are hard to find, but your supermarket should have first-cut corned beef vacuum-packed in plastic. Choose the fattiest piece in the case and treat it gently.

You can cook the cabbage and potatoes in the same water as the corned beef. Because the other vegetables need to be cooked in water that simmers more than the meat, scoop out water from the corned beef pot and cook the vegetables in a separate pot or pots.

1 4- to 5-pound corned beef brisket

1 teaspoon pickling spices

1 head cabbage

2 pounds boiling potatoes

6 to 8 small carrots (optional)

Parsnips (optional)

Turnips (optional)

Place the corned beef in a pot that holds at least 5 quarts of water. Cover completely with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to a simmer.

As soon as bubbles start to break on the surface of the water, adjust the heat so the water simmers very, very gently. With a slotted spoon, skim off the residue that accumulates on the surface. When the residue stops coming to the surface, add the pickling spices.

Continue to cook, with bubbles just gently breaking on the surface, for 3 to 4 hours, until fork tender.

The meat can be safely held in its water for about 2 hours; reheat gently.

Cook the vegetables until fork tender in separate pots of boiling fresh water or, especially for the cabbage, use some of the water in which the corned beef was cooked.

Slice the corned beef and serve with mustard and/or horseradish on a platter, surrounded with some of the vegetables or with vegetables in a separate bowl. 

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Lifestyle

Leisure & Style 

 

St. Paddy's Traditions that Are Not Irish  

St. Patrick's Day is made special by various traditions. Everything from dyeing major cities' rivers green to parades to enjoying green foods has become part of the pageantry of St. Patrick's Day.

The next time you raise a green beer to your lips, you may wonder which traditions are authentically Irish and which ones were created by regions with an abundance of Irish emigrants. Surprisingly, many seemingly Irish traditions likely began elsewhere.

First parade

It would be accurate to assume that various elements associated with St. Patrick's Day began where St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, once resided, including the first St. Patrick's Day parade. However, some of the first parades held in St. Patrick's honor took place in two North American cities, New York and Boston, that had high numbers of Irish immigrants. But historians say the first ever St. Patrick's Day parade was actually held in St. Augustine, Florida in 1601, a year after gunfire blasts were used to honor the saint. The parade may have been at the request of an Irish priest living there at the time.

Corned beef and cabbage

What would St. Patrick's Day be without an authentic meal of corned beef and cabbage? This dish is not so authentic after all, and actually is an American innovation. Ham and cabbage was widely eaten in Ireland, but corned beef was a cheaper alternative found in America by immigrants. Therefore, corned beef became a staple of poor Irish immigrants living in lower Manhattan. The salted meat was boiled three times to remove some of the brine and make it palatable.

Green beer

Green beer is not an Irish custom, but an American one. The most common beer consumed in Ireland is Guinness, which is dark brown to black in color, making green dye useless in Irish pubs since it would be largely invisible in the stout.

Golf tournaments

One would not associate golf with St. Patrick's Day unless they reside in Nome, Alaska. Golf is a popular Irish pastime, and each year the Bering Sea Ice Classic Golf Tournament takes place right around St. Patrick's Day. Bright green golf balls are used, and breaks are factored in between holes to warm up at local bars.

Wearing green

According to The Christian Science Monitor, individuals in the United States started wearing green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the early 1700s. They believed it "made one invisible to leprechauns." The official color for the holiday used to be a sky blue known as "St. Patrick's Day Blue," established during the reign of King George III.

In addition to these traditions, specialty items, such as coffees and shakes, also are very popular. However, most of these do not have origins on the Emerald Isle, either. Yet, no matter where traditions began, there's no denying St. Patrick's Day has long inspired celebration.

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Lifestyle

Travel 

Kiss the Blarney Stone ... Next Year! 

International tourism is big business. While much of the world was forced to stay home during the global COVID-19 pandemic, prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus international tourism was thriving.

A report from the World Tourism Organization in January 2020 found that 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded across the globe in 2019. That marked a 4 percent increase over the previous year.

Ireland is a popular tourist destination for people across the globe. A country with a rich history that is steeped in tradition, Ireland annually welcomes people from all over the globe.

Tourist attractions abound throughout the Emerald Isle, and few are as popular as the famed Blarney Stone. When visiting the Blarney Stone, which is located on the grounds of Blarney Castle, visitors are urged to kiss the stone. But why?

The exact origins of the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone are unknown, but History.com notes the practice dates back several centuries. Legend suggests kissing the stone helps people become more eloquent and persuasive, and indeed numerous accomplished orators, including former British prime minister Winston Churchill, are among the millions of people who have kissed the stone over the centuries.

Kissing the stone is no small feat, though it has become easier to do so in recent years. Prior to 2000, visitors to Blarney Castle who wanted to kiss the stone had to pull off an acrobatic feat without much support, leaning over backwards while lying down on their backs as the upper part of their bodies hung over the parapet's edge. However, guardrails were installed in 2000 to give visitors something to grab onto as they lean over the edge and kiss the stone.

Visitors to Ireland who want to kiss the Blarney Stone can expect to wait to do so. While the Blarney Castle gardens remained open to visitors during the pandemic, the tradition of kissing the stone was closed. And when that tradition is allowed once again, visitors should expect a line, as an estimated 400,000 people kiss the stone each year.  

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Business Services

Free E-Book 

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by
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About the Author:
It is our mission to save you both time and money when it comes to implementing a successful cross-border strategy as well as make a Swiss Trust Company acquisition possible for you within the shortest possible period of time. Offering more than 25 years of hands-on personal experience, the management of Corb7 International has guided more clients to successful endeavors with Swiss Trust Companies than any other alternative source.

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