Please note if you would like a written form of this post please just ask! E-Mail Celticpandc@mindspring.com
..........................."Ymhob pen y mae 'piniwn."-" In every head there is an opinion."-Welsh proverb....
Friday, March 2, 2012
We are proud to present the following guest post by my Friend, Peter Anthony Freeman!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
St David's Day Recipes and Information, Dydd Gwyl Dewi
St David's Day Recipes and Information, Dydd Gwyl Dewi
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (St David's Day) is the feast day of St David, celebrated on March 1st every year and this day was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18th century. very year parades are held in Wales to commemorate St. David, with the largest of these being held in Cardiff.
Typically on St David's day and children take part in school concerts or eisteddfodau, with recitation and singing being the main activities
Many Welsh people wear one or both of the national emblems of Wales on their lapel to celebrate St. David: the daffodil (a generic Welsh symbol which is in season during March) or the leek (Saint David's personal symbol) on this day. (the association between leeks and daffodils makes more sense in Welsh where the leek is cenin and the daffodil is cenin Pedr [literally, 'St Peter's leek'].
In south Wales males usually wear leeks while young girls wear daffodils; in the north the daffodil predominates. The younger girls sometimes wear traditional Welsh costumes to school. This costume consists of a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and a Welsh hat.
One of the classic traditional dishes of St David's Day is cawl cenin (lek broth or stew) and below I provide links to a recipe for this as well as to other recipes from this site that you can use to put together a St David's day meal (all these recipes are derived from the Welsh Recipes section of this site.
St David's Day Recipes:
Monday, February 27, 2012
My Little Welsh Home by Alison Hill: Welsh Guest Writer right here in North Carolina!
Dolbadarn Castle in Llanberis, North WalesMy Little Welsh Home
by Alison Hill
Longing. Yearning. Homesickness. These are loose definitions of the Welsh word ‘hiraeth,’ which most ex-pats are sure to be familiar with. But there is no direct English translation, which makes me wonder if the Welsh experience a more intense pining. It’s not just ‘home’ we miss, we are saddened by our separation from a ‘feeling’ only Wales can offer, and that only our compatriots would truly understand. This is a magic that cannot be recreated abroad, no matter how many Welsh dragons we fly. We belong to a nation and culture steeped in history and myth, we share a powerful bond through our language, and our love of music and literature (the finer things in life) is innate. Where else would you grow up competing in the cultural Olympics that is the Eisteddfod? Children in Wales are encouraged to participate in the arts at a very young age, and this induces a lifelong interest in beautiful, meaningful things.
Daffodil-Flower of Wales
But nobody knows much about Wales. We are not one of the popular crowd. We are ‘the other’ Celtic nation, the forgotten one, the red-headed stepchild if you like. Many people in America do not realize Wales is a country, with its own culture, customs, language, rich history and unique traditions. I’m often asked if the Welsh language is different from English, and I answer, politely, ‘yes, it’s...another language, far older than English, in fact one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe.’
The Irish win hands down in the popularity contest stateside, and many equate the word ‘Celtic’ with Irish, whereas in reality Ireland is one of six Celtic nations. Scots are known here for their kilts and bagpipes, Braveheart and Highland Games. But what of the Welsh? What is our identity? We don’t need gimmicks. You don’t have to buy silly hats or color rivers green for us. But we would like some recognition please. So give us a moment to share with you who we are. Let us tell you some of our stories, myths, and legends, sing you some of our songs, show you some of the beautiful places we love to call home.
Snowdon North Wales
At this time of year, as St. David’s Day approaches, I reflect on what I miss most about Wales. The misty mountains of Snowdonia, the tranquil beauty of Pennant Valley, the windswept beaches of Anglesey. Lonely, winding roads lined with dry stone walls. Gentle rain. Castles around every corner, humped back bridges, fields lush and verdant. The culture, music, language and community. Hearing stories of the old times, Welsh spoken all around me. All of this and more. I miss my small village in the mountains, where I grew up knowing everyone, and where everyone knew me. What a sense of belonging and comfort. This is where I come from, and where I love to return. As time goes by, memories often hurt as much as they please. This is a feeling I’ll never outgrow or outlive. Wherever life takes me, Wales will always be my home, and the ‘hiraeth’ will never cease.
Alison Hill
Writer/Producer
SEREN MEDIA
serenmedia1@yahoo.com http://www.mediaready-mediasavvy.com
www.AlisonHillMedia.com
I Can’t Take It Anymore! When Will The Government Quit Putting Out Fraudulent Employment Statistics?
www.mrconservative.com
On Friday, the entire financial world celebrated when it was announced that the unemployment rate in the United States had fallen to 8.3 percent. That is the lowest it has been since February 2009, and it came as an unexpected surprise for financial markets that are hungry for some good news. Accor...
Power of the Presidency! Ruler or Branch of Government!
If you have been following the Republican run for the Presidency, talk of religion or actions by Obama in and outside the USA you might think back to your grade school History class and the checks and balances of power. That is the Administrative Branch, the Congressional Branch and the Judicial Branch. The question is have these branches evolved into different branches than the Founding Fathers intended or that the Constitution laid out.
It might be noted that in the 1800's many people were suggested for a run for the Presidency, but declined as they felt that being a member of the House or Senate carried more power and fame than being President. That certainly is not the way it is today where being in the House or the Senate is seen as a stepping stone for the position toward a presidential run. Because of the easy of traveling both outside the USA and between states the Presidents role has changed in that he often REPRESENTS the nation in actions and dealings with other nations. Recently Obama made appointments and went around the Congress. This has been done throughout history, but wait a moment. In the early days of this country Article II of the Constitution provided the ability of the President to appoint while Congress was on recess and this was done out of need not to call back congress when they were off for some six to nine months. Today though that note is a bit blurred by politics and moving for political gain. Many say that this comes from the presidents moving toward being ruler. One must be reminded here that Washington refused to be King of the USA.
Yes I am hinting here that the Presidency we see today often goes around Congress and overlooks the Constitution. I feel that unilateral actions by the President slashes to the very heart of the governing system and tips the very balance of power in the USA. The question here of declaring war comes to mind. We were founded as a country that refused to have a ruler but we are coming close to that when the president does everything to go around the Constitution. That point was made clear in the move by the President and Government to make contraception available when it crossed religious lines. This is wrong and not the governments responsibility or ability. ( As a side point here people often are wrong when it comes to separation of Church and State. If one reads what the Constitution states about this is that the we have a freedom of religion but in saying that no religion nor any form of the government shall not prohibit each other. In other words religion can not go over government and government can not inhibit religion. Atheists in this country have read it to mean no religion in government happening. The Constitution does not say this. ) Another notion on this is that Obama recently said he was sorry for Koran burnings! Again he now represents a nation. Does the nation think this is wrong? Our flag is burned many times in protest and lives are lost....have the representatives of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan said they are sorry? Another subject comes to mind over Obama's bowing to the Emperor of Japan. As said he represents a Nation and NO OTHER PRESIDENT HAS BOWED TO ANOTHER NATION OR HEAD OF STATE. Obama were is the apology due to the many American Veterans of WWII that this action insulted? In this thought of the Federal Government ruling from the Administrative branch I am also reminded of states rights that have been burred in the past few years and one wonders of the Federal Government getting involved in Arizona illegal immigration legislation.
If you are going to be the parent or president representing the nation please remember that what you do represents all of us. Saying "I am sorry" is something we all learn as children, but for the president it has far reaching complications and implications. In a nutshell if you are in the Oval office and say you messed up you now give the world the view that the USA is weak and did wrong. One wonders if saying we are wrong is all that bad. Saying you are sorry is a two action venture. First you say you are sorry and the further action taken to prevent it from happening again. the latter is often forgotten even by Presidents. But in thinking this out as the Republican candidates point out is taking action to prevent such things as Korans being burned is that bowing to the Islamic Nations. How about Va. notion not to mention God in funerals of American veterans which is an insult!
In taking on this opinion article I feel that the Presidency is much like being a minister...you have to be a jack of all trades, sometimes you can not win. But then again there is political gain in mind. If you think about it the true faith full and common sense interpretation of the American Constitution seems to always arise only when it is somewhat politically important. What comes to mind here is OBAMACARE. It sticks a feather in the Presidents hat and rallies those that do not understand it but is it crossing lines that are laid out by the Constitution. (To be clear here to my Welsh-liberal friends I am for Heath care, but not the type of health care now pressed on us) Some here are afraid of Socialism which could destroy our democratic way!
The question raised here remains is the Presidency in change.....is it growing too powerful....does it have a responsibility to the Constitution?
P.S. In saying that the President has more powers than the Constitution gave it or it took on it seems to make one wonder why no seated President has said they were sorry for SLAVERY including our Black President at present!
It might be noted that in the 1800's many people were suggested for a run for the Presidency, but declined as they felt that being a member of the House or Senate carried more power and fame than being President. That certainly is not the way it is today where being in the House or the Senate is seen as a stepping stone for the position toward a presidential run. Because of the easy of traveling both outside the USA and between states the Presidents role has changed in that he often REPRESENTS the nation in actions and dealings with other nations. Recently Obama made appointments and went around the Congress. This has been done throughout history, but wait a moment. In the early days of this country Article II of the Constitution provided the ability of the President to appoint while Congress was on recess and this was done out of need not to call back congress when they were off for some six to nine months. Today though that note is a bit blurred by politics and moving for political gain. Many say that this comes from the presidents moving toward being ruler. One must be reminded here that Washington refused to be King of the USA.
Yes I am hinting here that the Presidency we see today often goes around Congress and overlooks the Constitution. I feel that unilateral actions by the President slashes to the very heart of the governing system and tips the very balance of power in the USA. The question here of declaring war comes to mind. We were founded as a country that refused to have a ruler but we are coming close to that when the president does everything to go around the Constitution. That point was made clear in the move by the President and Government to make contraception available when it crossed religious lines. This is wrong and not the governments responsibility or ability. ( As a side point here people often are wrong when it comes to separation of Church and State. If one reads what the Constitution states about this is that the we have a freedom of religion but in saying that no religion nor any form of the government shall not prohibit each other. In other words religion can not go over government and government can not inhibit religion. Atheists in this country have read it to mean no religion in government happening. The Constitution does not say this. ) Another notion on this is that Obama recently said he was sorry for Koran burnings! Again he now represents a nation. Does the nation think this is wrong? Our flag is burned many times in protest and lives are lost....have the representatives of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan said they are sorry? Another subject comes to mind over Obama's bowing to the Emperor of Japan. As said he represents a Nation and NO OTHER PRESIDENT HAS BOWED TO ANOTHER NATION OR HEAD OF STATE. Obama were is the apology due to the many American Veterans of WWII that this action insulted? In this thought of the Federal Government ruling from the Administrative branch I am also reminded of states rights that have been burred in the past few years and one wonders of the Federal Government getting involved in Arizona illegal immigration legislation.
If you are going to be the parent or president representing the nation please remember that what you do represents all of us. Saying "I am sorry" is something we all learn as children, but for the president it has far reaching complications and implications. In a nutshell if you are in the Oval office and say you messed up you now give the world the view that the USA is weak and did wrong. One wonders if saying we are wrong is all that bad. Saying you are sorry is a two action venture. First you say you are sorry and the further action taken to prevent it from happening again. the latter is often forgotten even by Presidents. But in thinking this out as the Republican candidates point out is taking action to prevent such things as Korans being burned is that bowing to the Islamic Nations. How about Va. notion not to mention God in funerals of American veterans which is an insult!
In taking on this opinion article I feel that the Presidency is much like being a minister...you have to be a jack of all trades, sometimes you can not win. But then again there is political gain in mind. If you think about it the true faith full and common sense interpretation of the American Constitution seems to always arise only when it is somewhat politically important. What comes to mind here is OBAMACARE. It sticks a feather in the Presidents hat and rallies those that do not understand it but is it crossing lines that are laid out by the Constitution. (To be clear here to my Welsh-liberal friends I am for Heath care, but not the type of health care now pressed on us) Some here are afraid of Socialism which could destroy our democratic way!
The question raised here remains is the Presidency in change.....is it growing too powerful....does it have a responsibility to the Constitution?
P.S. In saying that the President has more powers than the Constitution gave it or it took on it seems to make one wonder why no seated President has said they were sorry for SLAVERY including our Black President at present!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Religion again in the news of the run for 2012 President of the USA!
ABC News also shared a a link
Santorum: Obama Wrong to Apologize for Koran Burning
abcnews.go.com
GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum slammed President Obama for apologizing to Afghans earlier this week for the recent burning of Korans at a U.S. military base this morning on “This Week.” “There was nothing deliberately done wrong here. This was something that happened as a mistake. Killing ...
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