Events Information Feedback Marketplace Home

Want to sound off? Have something to say? Need info about some obscure topic? This is the place for you! The only rules: it's gotta be Celtic in nature, and it's gotta be suitable for young persons who read the site.

Please, when you submit material, send only plain text. We won't accept or return formatted text (as in MSWORD or PDF files, etc).

Send to us using HighlandNet's contact page..

August 18, 2002

Hello.

I'm compiling a research project of a prominent competitive piper from the 19th/20th Century named Robert Ireland who had lived in New york City. Early in the last century he became Pipe-Major of the New York Scottish Highlanders Pipe Band. Prior to that, he had been appointed the first Pipe-Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
I do have some background on Robert Ireland but have not been able to find anything on the New York Scottish. I would be very appreciative if any of your readers could help me out with either the Pipe-Major or the band.
Thank you very much for any consideration.

Regards,

Dick Crawford
Peekskill, N.Y.

July 16, 2002

A few months ago, Brian from Down Under wrote inquiring about Bydand Forever, a commemorative Living History group dedicated to keeping alive the traditions of the Gordon Highlanders. Bryan said he'd lost track of the group, couldn't find them on the internet, and wanted to know what had happened to them. (Here's Brian's earlier email.)
Well, the mystery is solved!
Last weekend, while visiting the Dunsmuir House Scottish Games in Oakland, California, I found the Bydand Forever group alive and well and still doing those fantastic demonstrations of period military arms.
As for the Bydand Forever website, you'll find it at http://www.bydand.com.
Brian, hope this answers your query!

HighlandNet

Here's one I don't know much about. Our writer is seeking info about "mini-pipe band" competitions. Any help out there?

July 3, 2002

Dear HighlandNet,

I'm interested in information on what I have heard described as mini band competitions.
  • Do they exist?
  • Where and when do they happen?
  • What are the entry requirements and rules for competition?
Any info you can send by e-mail would be appreciated.

John Logiurato

Here's what I told John:

First of all, the word 'mini' probably refers to both the size of the band and the size of the competition.
There's a good reference in WWW documents posted by the Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association. You'll find the appropriate info under http://www.acpba.ednet.ns.ca/rules-bylaws/constitution.pdf
Here the mini-band is defined as a limited number of participants.
There are others- try http://www.google.com for your search engine and search for "mini pipe band".
I'll post your letter in "mailbag"- perhaps others will respond with more info.

HighlandNet


[Ed Note: The following letter refers to one sent here by Ms. Laura Casey on April 21, 2002. Click here for a link to Ms. Casey's letter.

July 3, 2002

To: HighlandNet

In answer to the question about the younger someone starts the better they will be at competitions.
This would not be the case - how many pregnant women attend competitions? and do all of these babies go on to be world champions? Gregor Bowman was eight when he started dancing. This would be thought of as quite old to start dancing - but did not seem to be a problem for him.
It all comes down to the child's ability, and the teacher's ability to mould that talent and of course a parent who believes in the teacher and supports what is being done.

Lesley Bowman
Highland Dance Teacher
Dundee, Scotland

Editor's addendum: It appears, from the pattern of emails received at HighlandNet, one or more persons who sent emails about Mr. Kennedy heard the "Old MacDonald" number, took offense, and emailed friends and aquaintances asking for a flood of contacts with us about this situation. The emails we've published well represent the viewpoint of those who are offended by Mr. Kennedy. HighlandNet agrees with the concept that finding 'humor' in the infirmities of others is reprehensible. If Mr. Kennedy becomes aware of our readers' consternation, and wishes to make a comment for publication here, we'll certainly include it as soon as it arrives.

May 22

To: mailbag@highlandnet.com
Subject: Seamus Kennedy

Hi. I am writing to let you know my feelings about a song that Seamus Kennedy sings. I just hope there is some way of letting him know that singing about people with disabilities is very hurtful to them and their families. If he were making fun of something we had control over that would be different. I have a beautiful 3 year old boy (twins actually) that had the misfortune to be born so prematurely that he suffered a stroke. As a result he has right side hemiplegia cerebral palsy. At 3 years old my son is confident and outgoing. It is my greatest fear that through ignorance and teasing these attributes will be taken away from him as he grows older. It is going to be hard enough for him to deal with comments from other children. To hear them from an adult, even in jest, is extremely painful and confusing for him. It makes him feel as if he has done something wrong to deserve his disability.

I am sure this was not Mr. Kennedy's intent. I have listened to other music of his and find it hysterical. Unless you have first hand knowledge of disabilities it is often hard to understand how painful this kind of disrespect is.

Thank you.

Chris Myrah, mom to BEAUTIFUL twins Justin (rh, cp) and Allison,

May 22, 2002
Ed Note: Evidently Seamus Kennedy, a well-known and (as far as I knew till now) popular Celtic entertainer, appeared someplace and performed a number involving "Old MacDonald." We weren't aware of it here at HighlandNet, at least, not until a flood of emails came in lambasting Mr. Kennedy for what the writers claim is, at the least, his appalling bad taste. We've heard Mr. Kennedy's performances many times in the past and, although he's not one to mince words in seeking the humor in his performances, I have never heard him single out any group just to poke fun at it. But: since we neither heard the performance in question, nor know any of the context in which it raised such a hullabaloo, we can't express any opinion. If anybody can provide more background, please email our y contact page and we'll post your remarks here. There are several links and email addresses on the Kennedy homepage: you can reach it from HighlandNet's 'links' page. For the present, here are three of the emails we received:

May 21, 2001
To: Seamus Kennedy (c/o mailbag@highlandnet.com)

You've got to be kidding me... This is 2002 and there is still someone out there who finds making fun of someones disability funny???
I feel sorry for you. I wish you had the intellect and imagination to find humor in truly humorous things. How about a song about the poor (Old MacDonald's malnourished farm, perhaps?) or people with cancer (Old MacDonald's Chemo Farm?). Why are those with disablities fair game?? Why dont you stick to traditional songs, that way you know someone with a brain and conscious has written them?

Joni Stasiak, MD
VP of Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Assn.
www.chasa.org

May 21,2002
To: Mailbag@HighlandNet.com
I am writing to let you know that I am a bit upset by a song Seamus Kennedy sings about a farm. His farm is full of characters that are stricken by any number of physical and mental incapacities. Mr. Kennedy makes fun of how 'backwards' everything is on the farm.
I want you to know how totally offensive it is to hear a song that makes fun of people for something they do not CHOOSE to have. Make fun of my religion, make fun of my political beliefs, make fun of my choice of clothing....but do NOT make fun of God's children for the way they are born.
I am appalled by these lyrics and would hope you would encourage this 'artist' to rethink his method of making fun of those less-fortunate than himself. Walk a mile in my shoes for a day and you wouldn't think it was so funny.

Shelley L. Lyons Shelley.Bellum@New-Era-of-Networks.com
Mom to Jessie 8.5 yr. old hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Denver, Colorado, USA

20 May 2002
To: HighlandNet
I noticed that you have a link on your page for Seamus Kennedy, I would appreciate it if you could pass on this message of complete disgust to him with respect to his " Old McDonalds Deformed Farm" song. I really find it hard to believe that in this day and age someone could be so insensitive as to write something like this and actually think it is amusing!
I am the mother of 3 children, one of whom has cerebral palsy, and I am also a speech therapist who has spent her life working with children with special needs.
As a parent I try desperately on a daily basis to protect and help my little one with cerebral palsy and to make him feel good about himself and accepted. It is people like Seamus Kennedy who add to the suffering and struggle for acceptance that every person with a disability has. Since he is so keen to sing such an offensive song, maybe he would like to come and sing it to my child with CP and see how much he enjoys it then as he watches the tears roll down my little ones face as yet someone else makes fun of him ..

in complete disgust
Lisa Randel

April 21,2002

Hello,

My name is Laura Casey and I'm a teacher in Georgetown Ontario, I would like to know if you have any information about this topic: The younger you start Highland dancing the better you will be in competitions. If you have any information or any opinion on this topic please reply before the 28th of may. Thank you for all the trouble.

Laura Casey

ED NOTE: I don't have a clue, Laura, even though I really ought to since my own daughter Jennifer has been a Highland Dancer ever since she was 7 and she's now 26. I'd make this suggestion: try the Yahoo site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/highlanddancing dedicated to Highland Dance. It's a bulletin board/chatroom and seems to have a pretty large readership throughout the world. And, readers, if you have an answer to Laura's question, please email HighlandNet using our contact page so we can post it here.

Click here to read Lesley Bowman's July 2, 2002 reply.

April 21, 2002

Hi

Noticed your piece about Bydand Forever. Are they still going? All the websites I can find seem to date to about 1997. Anyway, thought you might be interested in something similar being done here in Australia. Go to: http://qsvc.tripod.com

Cheers

Brian

Ed Note: As best we can determine, Bydand Forever is still around. But you'd never know it from their website. It has, apparently, gone missing. If you can enlighten us, let HighlandNet know.

(April 20, 2002)

Hello,

I found your Site about Sean Folsom: "Piper Extraordinaire" And there are some informations about the Aguhl, the old egyptian instrument. Its really interesing for me, i play the clarinet. I would like to have more informations about it. would be nice of you.

thanks, Dietrich

(February 27, 2002)

To whoever is interested,

I am very interested in producing a documentary on the history of bagpipes.I have a video production company, we've done many documentaries,some which have been on PBS.I am currently looking for anyone who is interested in funding this project.I have spoken to one of the leading craftsmen of bagpipes who is willing to be in the film.I would also like to interview the many musicians,listen to their music and stories.Trace the instrument's origin and place in history.I would eventually like to get the film on TLC,or the History channel.I feel this is a very important story that should be told.In fact is there an instrument with more history.Whoever is interested in this project please Email me at super8mman@aol.com

Chris Cadawas

(August 11, 2001)

Dear Sir:

My Uncle was a retired firefighter and at his funeral the bagpipes were played. My family would like some information concerning this tradition.
What is the significance of the bagpipes at a funeral? Is this honor reserved only for a firefighter or a member of his family? Do they ever play for a women's funeral? How did this tradition come about? Although my family is of Scottish descent, I have been in attendance at funerals that were not of Scottish descent, but did have a firefighter in the immediate family.
Thank you very much for any information you would be able to provide. If you are unable to provide us any information, could you possibly point us towards another source for our questions?

Sincerely,
Joyce Bonnell jabmacaroni@aol.com

(August 3, 2001)

Greetings!

California now has an official state tartan! On Monday, July 23, Governor Davis signed AB-614, which officially recognized and adopted the California District Tartan as the official California State Tartan. The Secretary of State recorded the signed legislation on Tuesday, July 24. This tartan is representative of the Scottish heritage of millions of Scottish-Californians, but it is much more. It is a gift to all Californians, to claim as their own. The State Tartan is based on the Muir family tartan, in honor of the great Scottish naturalist, John Muir, whose contribution to America in general, and California in particular, is legendary.
This brings an end to the legislative saga that had begun on February 22, when Assemblywoman Helen M. Thomson, who was joined by Assemblyman Bill Campbell, introduced the bill in the California State Assembly. Over the intervening months, the bill went through the normal channels for legislation, first to the Assembly's Committee on Government Organization, back to the floor of the Assembly, to the Senate floor where it was championed by Senator Bruce McPherson, on to the Senate's Rules Committee, back to the floor of the Senate, and finally back to the floor of the Assembly. In these times of difficulty for the state, it is interesting to note that throughout this entire process, there was never a single dissenting vote cast. This included a total of five voting sessions, including committees and floor votes.
The California State Tartan was designed by J. Howard Standing, a member of both the St. Andrew Society of Los Angeles, and the St. Andrew Society of Southern California, and Thomas Ferguson. I was grateful to have had an opportunity to play a part, having conceived the idea of a petition drive and having written the original draft, which was then fine-tuned by J. Howard Standing.
I would like to express my thanks to everyone who participated in this project. First, I wish to thank J. Howard Standing for conceiving the idea, and for designing the tartan. His tireless efforts made all the rest possible. Thanks also to Assemblywoman Helen Thomson, and Assemblyman Bill Campbell, for raising the banner, and introducing this bill in the State Assembly. Senator Bruce McPherson deserves thanks for his support and efforts in the State Senate. Thanks also to all the co-authors and supporters in the Assembly and the Senate. Finally, I wish to thank all of you who helped distribute the petitions, those who signed them, and especially those of you who took the time and made the effort to write the letters of support. Thanks to you all!
Suas Alba!

Christopher Gray Lamberton FSA Scot
Past President (1995-1997), St. Andrew Society of Southern California
President, St. Andrew Foundation of Southern California
Regional High Commissioner (AZ, CA, HI, NV), Clan Stewart Society in America
Executive Director, Scottish Clan & Tartan Information Center

HighlandNet's thanks to:

Karen J. Roberts, Clans Lennox & MacLeod
Chief, Scottish Society of Central California
Dalraidalass@netscape.net
559/584-4634 ~ Phone & FAX
www.scottishsociety.org
Here's a political submission to start the ball rolling. If you have any thoughts on point, send them along and we'll post here.

HighlandNet

July 22, 2001

With the general UK elections behind us as recent history, Scotland enters perhaps the most important period in its modern history. In the next two years, decisions will be made and debates raging on the path to be taken toward the 2003 Scottish Parliament elections; and the actions to be mandated by that body following the elections. Independence, EU absorption, taxation, fiscal control, and social services in Scotland all become key points of interest as Scotland determines the road of its future. A new and growing discussion list has been established to deal with these questions and issues from an international and politically non-specific position. Among the obstacles to Scottish Independence are the proliferation of parties in Scotland, and a UK specific fiduciary system.
This forum attempts to bridge those gaps, and add support from Scots world wide, as a forum of understanding and interactive communication. Now at 100 strong and very active, the List aspires to be the international point of focus for all Scots issues: past, present, and future impacting on the Independence issue.
Regardless of political affiliation, party membership or location, If the future of Scotland is a concern; please consider becoming involved in the debate and resolution of common questions. Join the action on FreeScots list. Visit and check it out, or stay for the long haul as historical changes are made in the very definition of Scotland and its government.
Simply send a blank email from the link below to explore this free discussion option, and take active part and be heard as Scotland redefines herself for the first time in three centuries. Be a player and not an observer..listen in or speak your piece now and join others of all political persuasions who care about Scotland and are scattered all over this big world. (Busy people should consider Digest or No mail formats, as the message traffic can be heavy at times, and numbers in support still count: these formats can be selected at Yahoo..or addressed in a request to me, and I can switch for any subscriber.)

Slainte mhath,
Rex H. McTyeire
Moderator: FreeScots-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

02-019_081802
Events Information Feedback Marketplace Home

Want to sound off? Have something to say? Need info about some obscure topic? This is the place for you! The only rules: it's gotta be Celtic in nature, and it's gotta be suitable for young persons who read the site.

Please, when you submit material, send only plain text. We won't accept or return formatted text (as in MSWORD or PDF files, etc).

Send to us using HighlandNet's contact page..

August 18, 2002

Hello.

I'm compiling a research project of a prominent competitive piper from the 19th/20th Century named Robert Ireland who had lived in New york City. Early in the last century he became Pipe-Major of the New York Scottish Highlanders Pipe Band. Prior to that, he had been appointed the first Pipe-Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
I do have some background on Robert Ireland but have not been able to find anything on the New York Scottish. I would be very appreciative if any of your readers could help me out with either the Pipe-Major or the band.
Thank you very much for any consideration.

Regards,

Dick Crawford
Peekskill, N.Y.

July 16, 2002

A few months ago, Brian from Down Under wrote inquiring about Bydand Forever, a commemorative Living History group dedicated to keeping alive the traditions of the Gordon Highlanders. Bryan said he'd lost track of the group, couldn't find them on the internet, and wanted to know what had happened to them. (Here's Brian's earlier email.)
Well, the mystery is solved!
Last weekend, while visiting the Dunsmuir House Scottish Games in Oakland, California, I found the Bydand Forever group alive and well and still doing those fantastic demonstrations of period military arms.
As for the Bydand Forever website, you'll find it at http://www.bydand.com.
Brian, hope this answers your query!

HighlandNet

Here's one I don't know much about. Our writer is seeking info about "mini-pipe band" competitions. Any help out there?

July 3, 2002

Dear HighlandNet,

I'm interested in information on what I have heard described as mini band competitions.
  • Do they exist?
  • Where and when do they happen?
  • What are the entry requirements and rules for competition?
Any info you can send by e-mail would be appreciated.

John Logiurato

Here's what I told John:

First of all, the word 'mini' probably refers to both the size of the band and the size of the competition.
There's a good reference in WWW documents posted by the Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association. You'll find the appropriate info under http://www.acpba.ednet.ns.ca/rules-bylaws/constitution.pdf
Here the mini-band is defined as a limited number of participants.
There are others- try http://www.google.com for your search engine and search for "mini pipe band".
I'll post your letter in "mailbag"- perhaps others will respond with more info.

HighlandNet


[Ed Note: The following letter refers to one sent here by Ms. Laura Casey on April 21, 2002. Click here for a link to Ms. Casey's letter.

July 3, 2002

To: HighlandNet

In answer to the question about the younger someone starts the better they will be at competitions.
This would not be the case - how many pregnant women attend competitions? and do all of these babies go on to be world champions? Gregor Bowman was eight when he started dancing. This would be thought of as quite old to start dancing - but did not seem to be a problem for him.
It all comes down to the child's ability, and the teacher's ability to mould that talent and of course a parent who believes in the teacher and supports what is being done.

Lesley Bowman
Highland Dance Teacher
Dundee, Scotland

Editor's addendum: It appears, from the pattern of emails received at HighlandNet, one or more persons who sent emails about Mr. Kennedy heard the "Old MacDonald" number, took offense, and emailed friends and aquaintances asking for a flood of contacts with us about this situation. The emails we've published well represent the viewpoint of those who are offended by Mr. Kennedy. HighlandNet agrees with the concept that finding 'humor' in the infirmities of others is reprehensible. If Mr. Kennedy becomes aware of our readers' consternation, and wishes to make a comment for publication here, we'll certainly include it as soon as it arrives.

May 22

To: mailbag@highlandnet.com
Subject: Seamus Kennedy

Hi. I am writing to let you know my feelings about a song that Seamus Kennedy sings. I just hope there is some way of letting him know that singing about people with disabilities is very hurtful to them and their families. If he were making fun of something we had control over that would be different. I have a beautiful 3 year old boy (twins actually) that had the misfortune to be born so prematurely that he suffered a stroke. As a result he has right side hemiplegia cerebral palsy. At 3 years old my son is confident and outgoing. It is my greatest fear that through ignorance and teasing these attributes will be taken away from him as he grows older. It is going to be hard enough for him to deal with comments from other children. To hear them from an adult, even in jest, is extremely painful and confusing for him. It makes him feel as if he has done something wrong to deserve his disability.

I am sure this was not Mr. Kennedy's intent. I have listened to other music of his and find it hysterical. Unless you have first hand knowledge of disabilities it is often hard to understand how painful this kind of disrespect is.

Thank you.

Chris Myrah, mom to BEAUTIFUL twins Justin (rh, cp) and Allison,

May 22, 2002
Ed Note: Evidently Seamus Kennedy, a well-known and (as far as I knew till now) popular Celtic entertainer, appeared someplace and performed a number involving "Old MacDonald." We weren't aware of it here at HighlandNet, at least, not until a flood of emails came in lambasting Mr. Kennedy for what the writers claim is, at the least, his appalling bad taste. We've heard Mr. Kennedy's performances many times in the past and, although he's not one to mince words in seeking the humor in his performances, I have never heard him single out any group just to poke fun at it. But: since we neither heard the performance in question, nor know any of the context in which it raised such a hullabaloo, we can't express any opinion. If anybody can provide more background, please email our y contact page and we'll post your remarks here. There are several links and email addresses on the Kennedy homepage: you can reach it from HighlandNet's 'links' page. For the present, here are three of the emails we received:

May 21, 2001
To: Seamus Kennedy (c/o mailbag@highlandnet.com)

You've got to be kidding me... This is 2002 and there is still someone out there who finds making fun of someones disability funny???
I feel sorry for you. I wish you had the intellect and imagination to find humor in truly humorous things. How about a song about the poor (Old MacDonald's malnourished farm, perhaps?) or people with cancer (Old MacDonald's Chemo Farm?). Why are those with disablities fair game?? Why dont you stick to traditional songs, that way you know someone with a brain and conscious has written them?

Joni Stasiak, MD
VP of Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Assn.
www.chasa.org

May 21,2002
To: Mailbag@HighlandNet.com
I am writing to let you know that I am a bit upset by a song Seamus Kennedy sings about a farm. His farm is full of characters that are stricken by any number of physical and mental incapacities. Mr. Kennedy makes fun of how 'backwards' everything is on the farm.
I want you to know how totally offensive it is to hear a song that makes fun of people for something they do not CHOOSE to have. Make fun of my religion, make fun of my political beliefs, make fun of my choice of clothing....but do NOT make fun of God's children for the way they are born.
I am appalled by these lyrics and would hope you would encourage this 'artist' to rethink his method of making fun of those less-fortunate than himself. Walk a mile in my shoes for a day and you wouldn't think it was so funny.

Shelley L. Lyons Shelley.Bellum@New-Era-of-Networks.com
Mom to Jessie 8.5 yr. old hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Denver, Colorado, USA

20 May 2002
To: HighlandNet
I noticed that you have a link on your page for Seamus Kennedy, I would appreciate it if you could pass on this message of complete disgust to him with respect to his " Old McDonalds Deformed Farm" song. I really find it hard to believe that in this day and age someone could be so insensitive as to write something like this and actually think it is amusing!
I am the mother of 3 children, one of whom has cerebral palsy, and I am also a speech therapist who has spent her life working with children with special needs.
As a parent I try desperately on a daily basis to protect and help my little one with cerebral palsy and to make him feel good about himself and accepted. It is people like Seamus Kennedy who add to the suffering and struggle for acceptance that every person with a disability has. Since he is so keen to sing such an offensive song, maybe he would like to come and sing it to my child with CP and see how much he enjoys it then as he watches the tears roll down my little ones face as yet someone else makes fun of him ..

in complete disgust
Lisa Randel

April 21,2002

Hello,

My name is Laura Casey and I'm a teacher in Georgetown Ontario, I would like to know if you have any information about this topic: The younger you start Highland dancing the better you will be in competitions. If you have any information or any opinion on this topic please reply before the 28th of may. Thank you for all the trouble.

Laura Casey

ED NOTE: I don't have a clue, Laura, even though I really ought to since my own daughter Jennifer has been a Highland Dancer ever since she was 7 and she's now 26. I'd make this suggestion: try the Yahoo site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/highlanddancing dedicated to Highland Dance. It's a bulletin board/chatroom and seems to have a pretty large readership throughout the world. And, readers, if you have an answer to Laura's question, please email HighlandNet using our contact page so we can post it here.

Click here to read Lesley Bowman's July 2, 2002 reply.

April 21, 2002

Hi

Noticed your piece about Bydand Forever. Are they still going? All the websites I can find seem to date to about 1997. Anyway, thought you might be interested in something similar being done here in Australia. Go to: http://qsvc.tripod.com

Cheers

Brian

Ed Note: As best we can determine, Bydand Forever is still around. But you'd never know it from their website. It has, apparently, gone missing. If you can enlighten us, let HighlandNet know.

(April 20, 2002)

Hello,

I found your Site about Sean Folsom: "Piper Extraordinaire" And there are some informations about the Aguhl, the old egyptian instrument. Its really interesing for me, i play the clarinet. I would like to have more informations about it. would be nice of you.

thanks, Dietrich

(February 27, 2002)

To whoever is interested,

I am very interested in producing a documentary on the history of bagpipes.I have a video production company, we've done many documentaries,some which have been on PBS.I am currently looking for anyone who is interested in funding this project.I have spoken to one of the leading craftsmen of bagpipes who is willing to be in the film.I would also like to interview the many musicians,listen to their music and stories.Trace the instrument's origin and place in history.I would eventually like to get the film on TLC,or the History channel.I feel this is a very important story that should be told.In fact is there an instrument with more history.Whoever is interested in this project please Email me at super8mman@aol.com

Chris Cadawas

(August 11, 2001)

Dear Sir:

My Uncle was a retired firefighter and at his funeral the bagpipes were played. My family would like some information concerning this tradition.
What is the significance of the bagpipes at a funeral? Is this honor reserved only for a firefighter or a member of his family? Do they ever play for a women's funeral? How did this tradition come about? Although my family is of Scottish descent, I have been in attendance at funerals that were not of Scottish descent, but did have a firefighter in the immediate family.
Thank you very much for any information you would be able to provide. If you are unable to provide us any information, could you possibly point us towards another source for our questions?

Sincerely,
Joyce Bonnell jabmacaroni@aol.com

(August 3, 2001)

Greetings!

California now has an official state tartan! On Monday, July 23, Governor Davis signed AB-614, which officially recognized and adopted the California District Tartan as the official California State Tartan. The Secretary of State recorded the signed legislation on Tuesday, July 24. This tartan is representative of the Scottish heritage of millions of Scottish-Californians, but it is much more. It is a gift to all Californians, to claim as their own. The State Tartan is based on the Muir family tartan, in honor of the great Scottish naturalist, John Muir, whose contribution to America in general, and California in particular, is legendary.
This brings an end to the legislative saga that had begun on February 22, when Assemblywoman Helen M. Thomson, who was joined by Assemblyman Bill Campbell, introduced the bill in the California State Assembly. Over the intervening months, the bill went through the normal channels for legislation, first to the Assembly's Committee on Government Organization, back to the floor of the Assembly, to the Senate floor where it was championed by Senator Bruce McPherson, on to the Senate's Rules Committee, back to the floor of the Senate, and finally back to the floor of the Assembly. In these times of difficulty for the state, it is interesting to note that throughout this entire process, there was never a single dissenting vote cast. This included a total of five voting sessions, including committees and floor votes.
The California State Tartan was designed by J. Howard Standing, a member of both the St. Andrew Society of Los Angeles, and the St. Andrew Society of Southern California, and Thomas Ferguson. I was grateful to have had an opportunity to play a part, having conceived the idea of a petition drive and having written the original draft, which was then fine-tuned by J. Howard Standing.
I would like to express my thanks to everyone who participated in this project. First, I wish to thank J. Howard Standing for conceiving the idea, and for designing the tartan. His tireless efforts made all the rest possible. Thanks also to Assemblywoman Helen Thomson, and Assemblyman Bill Campbell, for raising the banner, and introducing this bill in the State Assembly. Senator Bruce McPherson deserves thanks for his support and efforts in the State Senate. Thanks also to all the co-authors and supporters in the Assembly and the Senate. Finally, I wish to thank all of you who helped distribute the petitions, those who signed them, and especially those of you who took the time and made the effort to write the letters of support. Thanks to you all!
Suas Alba!

Christopher Gray Lamberton FSA Scot
Past President (1995-1997), St. Andrew Society of Southern California
President, St. Andrew Foundation of Southern California
Regional High Commissioner (AZ, CA, HI, NV), Clan Stewart Society in America
Executive Director, Scottish Clan & Tartan Information Center

HighlandNet's thanks to:

Karen J. Roberts, Clans Lennox & MacLeod
Chief, Scottish Society of Central California
Dalraidalass@netscape.net
559/584-4634 ~ Phone & FAX
www.scottishsociety.org
Here's a political submission to start the ball rolling. If you have any thoughts on point, send them along and we'll post here.

HighlandNet

July 22, 2001

With the general UK elections behind us as recent history, Scotland enters perhaps the most important period in its modern history. In the next two years, decisions will be made and debates raging on the path to be taken toward the 2003 Scottish Parliament elections; and the actions to be mandated by that body following the elections. Independence, EU absorption, taxation, fiscal control, and social services in Scotland all become key points of interest as Scotland determines the road of its future. A new and growing discussion list has been established to deal with these questions and issues from an international and politically non-specific position. Among the obstacles to Scottish Independence are the proliferation of parties in Scotland, and a UK specific fiduciary system.
This forum attempts to bridge those gaps, and add support from Scots world wide, as a forum of understanding and interactive communication. Now at 100 strong and very active, the List aspires to be the international point of focus for all Scots issues: past, present, and future impacting on the Independence issue.
Regardless of political affiliation, party membership or location, If the future of Scotland is a concern; please consider becoming involved in the debate and resolution of common questions. Join the action on FreeScots list. Visit and check it out, or stay for the long haul as historical changes are made in the very definition of Scotland and its government.
Simply send a blank email from the link below to explore this free discussion option, and take active part and be heard as Scotland redefines herself for the first time in three centuries. Be a player and not an observer..listen in or speak your piece now and join others of all political persuasions who care about Scotland and are scattered all over this big world. (Busy people should consider Digest or No mail formats, as the message traffic can be heavy at times, and numbers in support still count: these formats can be selected at Yahoo..or addressed in a request to me, and I can switch for any subscriber.)

Slainte mhath,
Rex H. McTyeire
Moderator: FreeScots-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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