World Leaders and Dignitaries Gear Up for Saint Patrick's Day

World leaders (pretend and otherwise) and other dignitaries began sending gifts to Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, in anticipation of Saint Patrick's Day, now just over one month away. Some of the more noteworthy items, and their presenters, are:

* From former president Bill Clinton, and wife Hillary--a shillelagh, signed by Clinton-era Health and Human Services Secretary Donna "Don't Call Me Shillelagh" Shalala

* From North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-Il--a pot o' gold (with a note attached: 'Please fill with uranium and return to sender')

* From the Queen of England--a condescending note written on a bedsheet-size Union Jack

* From the Scottish Parliament--two tickets to the Edinburgh Dance Troupe's latest production of 'Tam o' Shanter Ain't Irish, For Cryin' oot Lood'

* From famed Scottish comedian Billy Connolly--a tape of his stand-up special, 'Erin Went Bragh-less'

* From Irish rocker Bono--a CD of 'Clannad Covers Dokken: Live at the Met'

* From the ghost of William Butler Yeats--a spooky visiting, during which Yeats' ghost will recite, 'I've been dead for many winters now / And still have no peace, / For 'Yeats' rhymes with 'persimmon crates', / And NOT WITH KEATS!'

* From the CEO of 'Gem and Jewelry Supermart'--the entire emerald aisle

The Daily Scoffer will also be sending along a monogrammed scoff, for those cold Dublin nights.

Happy early Saint Paddy's Day, from everyone at TDS!