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AmeriCymru wins WelshIcons 'International Contribution to Welsh Life' Award for 2010 ( follow the link below for more details and to see other winners in the music category )

International Contribution to Welsh Life

A thousand diolch's to the WelshIcons website for this honor. Nice to know that we're doing something right We will endeavour to keep up the same standards and strive to do even better in 2011. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda/Happy New Year to all our readers and supporters

West Wales Band ARKETTA are due to release their first single UNDERTOW into the charts on 31/12/2010. Please support them by downloading the single from i Tunes or Amazon.

NADOLIG LLAWEN AMERICYMRU

For our special Christmas interview this year AmeriCymru spoke to David Garland Jones - Welsh living legend, Actor, Guru, Raconteur, Poet and future Penderyn Whiskey, Welshman of The Year 2010 . David took this opportunity to introduce a selection of his groundbreaking videos on YouTube. He would also like to wish all our readers Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Americymru: Who IS David Garland Jones?

David: He (or should that be I. Think Ill go with I but then I am an actor sounds a bit grand and pompous). Ok, have another shot of Penderyns Finest Welsh Whiskey I (cue fanfare), am an actor, guru, raconteur, poet, and latterly male model and YouTube phenomenon. I was born on the grubby fringes of Port Talbot, South Wales in 1962. Anthony Hopkins, Ivor Emmanuel, Michael Sheen, Richard Burton, David Garland Jones what other town ever produced such a quinvirate of acting talent? as the Port Talbot Guardian (now sadly defunct) put it. A potted history of my life featuring Michael Sheen (as well as Brothers & Sisters Matthew Rhys) and can be found here:

Roger Garrick - 'The Acting Guru's Acting Guru'

Americymru: What was your first big break and how did you come to star in so many groundbreaking roles on YouTube?

David: I realised that to reach an audience I needed two things: I needed a small cheap camera (for any nerds out there I use a Flip video camera and the Power Director 7 editing suite). Three things. I needed three things. The above two things and an amiable presence to hold the camera and do all the technical stuff. So I enlisted my brother Jake. As I produce the films actually getting the leading role in them isnt so difficult. I was up against Rhys Ifans for the lead role in my epic, Grand Theft Actor, but he didnt return my call so I stepped in.

Grand Theft Actor (Spoof)

Americymru: Has fame changed you?

David: No. There are still holes in my socks, but there are still dreams in my soul. One change is that I have started acting as a guru to younger actors though in the case of Jonny Hollywood I encountered a few difficulties.

Ep 11. David Garland Jones - 'Jonny Hollywood's The Kiddie'

I also have a number one fan/stalker

Sandra Bolton No.1 Fan

Americymru: What is the current supply situation with 'David Garland Jones In A Can'? Will you be continuing this line after the holiday season?

David: Sales have been better than expected especially since our US rep, Mr Iain Sewell has been appointed. I may become the first actor who breaks America in can form. In the UK there have been reports that fake DGJIAC (for short) have been seen in marketplaces alongside fake Prada, Gucci and Calvin Klein handbags. There have been reports of other actors crudely jumping the bandwagon, or can-wagon if you prefer, e.g. Ive heard that the light entertainer, Rob Brydon, is bringing out Bob In A Bag.

DGJ In A Can #1 - 'Advert' (Spoof)

Americymru: Many of our readers have asked what really happened at the Damian Dark audition. Care to elaborate?

David: Lets just say that there is now a legally enforced exclusion zone around the BBC in Cardiff which I am not allowed to enter:

Ep 6. David Garland Jones - My Name Is Damian Dark

However, I did manage a brief live appearance there:

David Garland Jones Live At The BBC

Americymru: Does David Garland Jones have any future plans for live stage appearances after the triumph at the Goldie Lookin Chain concert last year? Can you tell us how that appearance came about?

David: It was all down to Jay-Z and Alisha Keys. Thanks guys! They recorded a song called New York which was then appropriated by some Londoners and re-recorded as New-port. However, it quickly emerged that they had never been to Newport. I was in a bar one evening and someone suggested that I did a song called Aint Seen Ruthin Yet based on the classic Bachman-Turner Overdrive song Aint Seen Nothing Yet as I had never been to Ruthin. My brother Jake downloaded the karaoke track, I sang it and the rest as they say is history. To date its had over 31,251 hits. So thanks Jay-z and Alisha, if youre ever in Treforest please pop in.

Ain't Seen Ruthin Yet (Spoof)

But heres some more history Newports finest Goldie Lookin Chain then recorded their own version of New-port then spotted the Ruthin track and went on Sky News and mentioned it

Goldie Lookin Chain plug 'Ain't Seen Ruthin Yet' on Sky News

A relationship developed and they kindly asked me to appear with them at their big Ryder Cup gig Which Id rather not talk about, what with the booing and the heckling and the breakdown I suffered afterwards

' Who Are You? Who Are You?' - DGJ & Goldie Lookin Chain live in Newport

(However, if I was asked to perform it again I would remember the pink suitcase air guitar solo)

Americymru: More 'spoofs' along the lines of 'Aint seen Ruthin Yet' have been promised but I notice that Pontypool was not on the list. Is that because it's hard to rhyme or is there some other, more sinister, reason?

David: Someone suggested Little Jimmy Osmonds Long Haired Lover From Pontypool (formerly Liverpool) but its not even funny when you read it, let alone when you try to sing it. There will be a video in February featuring 12 of the best, Spoof Songs With Welsh Place Names In The Titles. Some of my favourites include Bostons More Than Rhydfelin, KD Laings Constant Aber-craving and my personal favourite, Odysseys How Bout Usk.

Americymru: You're a shoe-in for Penderyn 2010 Welshman of The Year , what will you do when you win?

David: Not a shoe-in, or even a shoo-in. I will need the votes of my Americymru friends first. Can I just mention that Penderyns Whiskey is the finest whiskey and the drink of kings. When, or indeed if I win, I will run naked down the lanes of Treforest ah, already done that.

M.A.D. - Mothers Against David

Americymru: After your principled stand on cigarette smoking did you succeed in getting any sponsorship money from Big Tobacco?

David: Interestingly the pro-smoking lobby group FOREST regularly blog about my work. Did they not realise that this video is actually anti-smoking? And no. No sponsorship. Nothing at all.

David's Quickies No. 7 - Cigarette Trick

Americymru: What's next for David Garland Jones? Any plans to visit the US?

David: I would love to visit the US. I have a live show which includes performing Under Milk Wood in mime. This went down really well at Treorchy Rugby Club where Max Boyce famously made his name:

Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood... In Mime

Americymru: Any messages for the members of AmeriCymru and your other fans?

David: I am an internet pioneer. Like all the great pioneers of yore I am badly dressed, ill-prepared and lacking funds. However, I am not asking for clothing, skis or money. I simply ask that you keep watching my videos, subscribe to my Youtube channel and pass the links on to your more sophisticated and cultured friends. Have a lovely Yuletide weekend and an inspiring and theatrical 2011!

www.davidgarlandjones.com

www.youtube.com/davidgarlandjones

Despite her flight to Afghanistan being delayed for hours, and ultimately cancelled due to weather, Katherine Jenkins gives soldiers on the plane an impromptu carol performance.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-12067818

Recipe adapted by me.

Dragon balls are made just like rum balls, but with Penderyn--and 100 times better-tasting. Also, these really don't work with Irish whiskey--I tried to save money when I had to make a bunch for a Celtic festival and there was a definite difference (and not in a good way) !

3 C pecans, finely chopped
2 C finely crushed graham crackers
1 C powdered sugar
4 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
4 Tbs light corn syrup, with real vanilla
C Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky
Unsweetened chocolate chips (optional)

Garnish:
1 C sifted powdered sugar
Sifted cocoa powder (optional)

Mix the graham cracker crumbs and pecans together in a large bowl. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Stir well, Add corn syrup and whisky. Mix well. Chill if necessary, then shape into 1-inch balls (add 2 chocolate chips to each ball, if desired). Roll balls in the sifted powdered sugar. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours. Remove from refrigerator and roll in sifted powdered sugar again. Sprinkle tops with sifted cocoa if desired. Serve at room temperature. Makes 4-5 dozen.

Enjoy!

*No actual dragons are hurt making these cookies

DISCLAIMER: I am not a native or even competant Welsh speaker so caveat emptor on these translations. The purpose of these puzzles is to give the user some exercise in looking up and researching Welsh words and hopefully hearing audio files of how they should be pronounced. This week's translations come from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David site at geiriadur.net, from Google translate and the hardcover edition of Y Geiriadur Mawr: The Complete English Welsh - Welsh English Dictio.... If two sources agreed on the Welsh translation of an English word, that's the word I used. If they all disagreed, I went with geiriadur.net. If they all gave multiple answers, I chose the one that seemed most likely to me and had an audio file.

Ok, here are the answers to last weeks' puzzle. Swansea Jack was kind enough to tell me that "cinio" wouldn't be supper in Wales, that it's dinner and supper would be a fourth meal after dinner. Where I live, they're a word for the same thing, the third and last meal of the day - ah, cultural vagaries! If anyone notices anything else, I heartily apologize and please let me know!

Mr Producers Got Talent!

Cardiff-based Creative Events, Celebrity Agency and Public Relations company, Mr Producer, welcomes a new member to its dynamic team. Sarah Vaughton joins Mr Producer as Talent Agent as the company opens its Agency doors to welcome Actors and Actresses.

Mr Producer is renowned for its in-house Celebrity Agency, which is unique to Wales. With ten trusted years experience of sourcing celebrities, presenters and performers for events and endorsements, Mr Producer is now expanding the Agency arm of the business to represent actors and actresses. Both new and established acting talent will join an array of presenters, performers, after-dinner speakers and voice-over artists already represented by the Agency.

Since the companys inception almost ten years ago, Mr Producer has produced some of Wales most prestigious events, and has been at the helm in successfully launching everything from BWM Mini to Wales Millennium Centre. Most recently Mr Producer were Creative Producers for the Welcome to Wales Ryder Cup Concert at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Therefore through their work on high-profile events, the company is no stranger to the celebrity circuit having worked with Wales biggest stars including Dame Shirley Bassey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ioan Gruffudd, Katherine Jenkins and Rhydian Roberts.

Managing Director, Stifyn Parri said With a rapidly expanding portfolio of clients coming to us for representation, I am thrilled to welcome an experienced Agent, Sarah Vaughton, to our trusted team. Stifyn continued Im proud to see Mr Producer expand the Agency side of the organisation, with over 30 years experience in the industry myself, Mr Producer understands the importance of good representation for our Agency clients during such a challenging climate. Now what excites me is how many major productions are turning to Wales, not just for location but also for our home-grown talent.

Sarah Vaughton, who is originally from Swansea, joins Mr Producer with proven experience in the industry, with previous employment including Emptage Hallett. Newly appointed Talent Agent, Sarah said I am thrilled to be joining the creative team at Mr Producer and I am looking forward very much to expanding the agency side of this high profile and successful company. I believe this to be an excellent initiative, which will help to develop existing talent in Wales.

Sarah is welcomed to the bilingual team by colleagues Lydia Jones, Head of Operations and Hannah-Jane Davies, Project and Finance Manager. Mr Parri continued Were a very close-knit team at Mr Producer and Sarah will undoubtedly be an invaluable addition as the company expands. Bring on 2011!

Rob Holt, Chief Executive of Ryder Cup Wales: Mr Producer's passion, teamwork and integrity never waned during the creation of Welcome to Wales concert at the Millennium Stadium to celebrate Ryder Cup 2010. They creatively produced a show that had vision, a confident tone and attention to detail. Working under the guidance of WAGs project manager and alongside many other individuals and organisations, they worked diligently resulting in a production that showcased Wales' talent to the World. Thank you.

Colin Jackson: Put any obstacle in the way of Mr Producer and they will creatively overcome it, but I wouldn't want to see them in lycra!

For a full list of Mr Producers service provision visit www.mrproducer.co.uk

We decided that it was kinda boring having a solid block of color on either side of the screen display so we thought we'd put the space to some use. Once a week we will be presenting a new picture taken somewhere in Wales. Of course those of you with sufficient screen resolution will only see a small portion of the pic and the challenge is to guess where in Wales the shot was taken. Please post your answer in 'comments' below. No prizes ....just for fun....pob lwc

For anyone who cant see enough of the image to attempt an identification there is a screenshot below. Click thumbnail for a larger image.

AmeriCymru spoke to Alan Cliff, the author of the 'Jack The Station Cat' childrens book series. Jack is based on a real life cat who lived in Wrexham and Rhyl. In the series he resides at Tails End Station and holds down the post of Station Cat.

Americymru: Hi Alan......what drew you to writing children's fiction?

Alan: From 1993 to 2006 every month I wrote a column for aBritish model railroad magazine "British Railway Modelling." In thiscolumn which was entitled Lock's Siding" I featured a station catcalled Jack named after one of our own cats.. Several readers plusmembers of my own family challenged me to turn Jack into thehero of children's stories. I had no erxperience of writing children'sfiction. I decided the best age group to write for would be forreading age 6-8 which would also allow younger children to be readto. I talked to my younger daughter Ailsa who teaches primaryschool children. Armed with her advice I settled down in 1998 towrite the first Jack stories. Eventually I found a publisher in NorfolkEngland, Wendy Webb Children's Books, and September 2000saw the first book "Jack the Station Cat Goes to School"published. When Wendy Webb Books gave up publishingchildren's books in 2004 I was taken on by the Welsh publisherGwasg Helygain of Rhyl in North Wales. I am still with thispublisher.

Americymru:Jack the Station Cat is based on a real live cat is he not? Care totell us a little about the real Jack?

Alan: Jack was a real cat but the only station he ever saw wasthe one on my model railroad. He loved to get on the baseboardand dislocate traffic. This gave me the idea of "Jack the Station Catgoes to School" where Jack learns to be a first class station cat.There is a painting of the real Jack by Rhyl artist Mari Bell at thefront of the book. Jack was born in 1988 near Wrexham the largesttown in North Wales. He originally belonged to our younger sonNigel. Nigel is the illustrator of all the Jack books bar the firstversion of "Jack goes to School" and "Jack lends a Helping Paw."However he came to live with my wife and me in Rhyl when only afew months old. He died in 2000 after a full feline life but lives on inthe shape of his alter ego "Jack the Station Cat."

Americymru: Jack has raised quite a bit of money for charity. Can you tell uswhat charities have benefited from sales of the book?

Alan: The Jack books have supported a number of Britishchildrern's and youthcharities. Half my royalties go to the charitynamed at the front of the book. These include the WinnicottFoundation at St Mary's Hospital Paddington London.:The NationalAutiistic Society: The Railway Children: Fitzwilliam CollegeCambridge poor students fund: National Children's Home (renamedAction for Children) a Methodist Church foundation, one of Britain'slargest children's welfare charities: The Children's Trust, Tadworthan offshoot of Great Ormonde Street Children's Hospital London:TY Gobaith (Hope House) children's hospice at Conwy, NorthWales and Save the Family, a charity working to keep families thathave become dysfunctional together, based at Northop Hall, NorthWales. Jack also supports "Cats Protection" the UK's largest catwelfare charity.

Americymru: How many Jack the Station Cat titles have been published todate? Are you working on any other series of children's books?

Alan: There are 13 titles to date, five published by Wendy WebbBooks and nine by Gwasg Helygain. The Wendy Webb books areout of print.

Gwasg Helygain republished "Jack goes to School" in 2008. Irevised the book and Nigel reillustrated same. Two of the GwasgHelygain titles "Jack and the Great Little Trains Robbery" and"Jack and the Lost Kittens" have been translated into Welsh byBerwyn Prys Jones. All the books have puzzles at the back a fewset by myself but most devised by Brenda Wyatt from Kinmel Baynear Rhyl. All the Gwasg Helygain books, English and Welshlanguage, are in print.

I have written another children's series, three books,about Jack'scousins Grabbit and Skoot who live in the country. The books areout of print though I have a few copies left for sale. A Wendy Webbpublication I need a new publisher for them.

Americymru: Where can people purchase Jack the Station Cat titles?

Alan: Wholesalers should approach my publisher www.gwasg.com e-mail:- guto@gwasg.com Private buyers should look at Jack the Station Cat's web-site www.jackthestationcat.co.uk find the Book Sales page and clickon to Amazon Books logo. This will take them straight to Amazon.co.uk Alternatively there is a link from each Jack booklisted on Jack's web-site to bfkbooks.com the international bookreviewers.. A link then goes from the review to Amazon.

Americymru:What's next for Alan Cliff? Will we be seeing more Jack theStation Cat books?

Alan: There are two more Jack books on the stocks.

Americymru:Any final message for members and readers of AmeriCymru?


Alan: You are never too old to write. I was 64 when the first Jackchildren's book came out in 2000. Ten years down the line I stillenjoy writing even if I am a little slower than I used to be. The Jackbooks keep me young at heart.

'Jack The Station Cat' Immortalized On First Day Cover

Interview by Ceri Shaw Email

The return of snow and ice is causing major disruption to the transport network across Wales. Almost 900 schools closed on Friday, bus services were suspended in many areas and there were delays on trains. (And the postponement of many a football match, too).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12012042