Blogs

It's a bit late now, but when I woke up this morning I was wondering how many of you who visited the Smithsonian/Welsh festival in Washington are aware that if you were to climb the stairs of the Capitol Monument there is engraved into the stonework; 'Fy Iaith, Fy Ngwlad, Fy Nghenedl - Wales - Cymru Am Byth'. I think this is worth a return visit, don't you?

Make new friends, but keep the oldOne is silver and the other gold.How many of us sang this song as a child? This song, as well as many others, was written by Dr. Joseph Parry, once of Danville. ..... MORE

"Steely editor-in-chief Anna Wintour may be the public face of American Vogue, but as a new documentary about the magazine, The September Issue, makes clear, creative director Grace Coddington is equally as influential. Harriet Quick pays homage to this Welsh-born model-turned-superstylist, and explores her tense but creative partnership with Wintour" ..... MORE.

Although outwardly the world sees the Scots with their kilts, their bagpipes and their power of legislation,and the Welsh not openly displaying anything, we are now returning to our traditions that were for a while laid aside, we are wearing the kilt and are forming pipe and drum bands. Wales is the older country by far, so we have been fighting for much longer, even if at times we have been on the back foot, and to outsiders we don't look any different to the English , there is something that the Welsh have always had, besides the Red Dragon, our National Flag, we have our Language; it must do something to the Scottish psyche to know that their two National tongues are both foreign in origin. A Welsh person has always had two faces, whether it be at home or in anglicised countries such as The States, we show our outward worldly face, no different to any other man (or woman) in the street, but our other face is of a fierce pride in our roots and, amongst ourselves, those of us who are fortunate enough, can temporarily turn our backs on Anglo-Saxon society and, through our Language can return to one of the most ancient lineages of this modern world, Richard Burton was a perfect example of this. Cerys Matthews of Catatonia said that every day when she wakes up she thanks the Lord that she is Welsh, or words to that effect; of course it's not a sentiment held by everyone; when my next door neighbour at the age of five discovered that he wasn't English he burst out crying.

And the winner is...Alisha Bowen! The winning entry was selected by line number from the email account we set up especially for this competition . We have contacted both the winning entrant and Welsh Country Magazine and she should shortly be in receipt of both a free years subscription to the "Welsh Country Magazine" together with a signed copy of "Stories in Welsh Stone" by Geoff Brookes. Congratulations/Llongyfarchion Alisha!

Subscribe to 'Welsh Country' magazine.

'Stories in Welsh Stone' by Geoff Brookes

Hi Folks, I'm Harry the Welsh owner of Wise Choice British Foods located in Huber Heights, Ohio. just 8 miles north of Dayton. We also operate a website, www.wisechoiceuk.com and ship to all parts of the USA, Canada and points around the world. Why don't you take a minute or two to view our website and get to know me a little better. Click on the ' About Us ' button on the top of our home page and read the very personal section of our website. After reading our story and meeting my wife, myself and my family, place an order with us with full trust that you will receive the most personal, efficient, friendly service. Our business is large enough to provide excellent choice and selection, but small enough to retain personal attention to your needs.Please blog us with your comments, we'd love to hear from you.

Friday Nights Concert with Jesus Presley , Western Aerial , Runaway Norm and The SlimJims

The Rev Tony Hughes of Jesus Presley

Jesus Presley on stage at the Crystal Ballroom

Western Aerial at the Crystal

Geoff Metts of Western Aerial

Edward Channon pipes Western Aerial on stage

All photographs courtesy of Buko.net except the last which was kindly provided by Paulette Channon

Saturday - The Mayors Visit

Chris Needs pictured with Eisteddfod organisers Gaabriel Becket and Ceri Shaw.

Chris Needs with members of the Portland Welsh Society .

Portland's Mayor Sam Adams with Chris Needs and Ceri Shaw..

Chris Needs records an interview for the Mayor's blog ..

Mayor Sam Adams with genetic genealogist Emily Aulicino .

Many thanks to Paulette Channon for the above photographs.

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Known for its bold, extravagant, and odd style, the zoot suit is a double-breasted suit that existed since 1930s. The wrapped jacket usually features for wide lapels overly elegant padded shoulders extending past the hips. Its purpose is to basically cover the pleated pants billowing out before the fine cuffs. It is being worn and frequently associated to African- American, Puerto-Ricans, Mexican Americans, Filipino Americans, and Italian Americans.Today zoot suit came in bold and vibrant colors and patterns that can be worn on any special occasion. It is also a perfect choice for wedding occasions like a wedding tuxedo . Black people are used to wear this for worship and any religious activities. As you can see, they are not just designed to show off their extravagance in terms of styles and fabric but their ability to function in every special occasion.Hiphop buffs who aimed to pursue a formal hiphop chic, you can explore your sense of fashion by wearing zoot suit . You can also refer from your favorite hippy icons and celebrities that love to wear this kind of suit. The fabulous attire is not complete without fashionable accessories that they used to complement on the suit such as neck ties with vibrant colors and designs, oversized elegant hats, pocket watch on chains, and double-soled shoes. If youve got all the accessories that you needed, you are now ready to hit the party!Zoot suits are widely available and accessible on the internet. Online shopping is the easiest and most convenient way to buy what we urgently need with just few clicks away. Megasuits is your trusted mens online store. We are glad to give you our high quality, elegant, and luxurious suits at very affordable price. Browse our online catalog so you can choose from our wide suit collections.Fine, elegant, and sophisticated mens suits fashioned from high-grade quality fabric. Megasuits give nothing but customers satisfaction. Our mens suits are the reflection of excellent craftsmanship, refinement, and style!

Reprinted with permission from David Western's blog , all material 2009, David Western --

It gives me great pleasure to announce the winner of the first Left Coast Eisteddfod lovespoon is Howard Evans! Howard was very generous in his support of the Eisteddfod and is a more than worthy winner of this traditional, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind Welsh lovespoon!

As the designer and carver of this spoon, it has been very heartening for me to see people support the inaugural Left Coast Eisteddfod through their kind donations and to personally have been the recipient of so many kind words of praise from many of you. I would, therefore, like to take this occasion to announce that I will be back with a new spoon design to support next year's edition of the Left Coast Eisteddfod!! Lots of lessons have been learned from the whole process of trying to initiate a great Welsh cultural event here in North America and although it has not been without its challenges, I believe next year's version will be bigger, better and even more widely supported than this years!

I look forward to designing next year's spoon and to showing its progress on this blog and I hope you will continue visit me and support the Left Coast Eisteddfod as well!!

So congratulations, Howard!!