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Newsletter 22nd November 2013

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  • Newsletter 22nd November 2013

    You can download a pdf version of this newsletter at http://www.electricscotland.com/newsletter/131122.pdf

    CONTENTS


    Electric Scotland News
    Electric Canadian
    The Barren Ground of Northern Canada
    The Young Voyageurs
    Yukon

    The Flag in the Wind
    Electric Scotland
    The Scottish Historical Review
    Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns

    Enigma Machine
    Leaves from the Journal
    Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
    Lord Charles Neaves
    Scotland, Picturesque: Historical: Descriptive
    David Herschell Edwards - Modern Poets
    Robert Louis Stevenson
    Recollections of a Speyside Parish
    Robert Burns Lives!
    History of the Island of Mull
    Ed Means Column
    Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
    Tasmina Ahmed Sheik
    Christina McKelvie's column
    Clan Munro of Australia
    Clan Leslie of Australia & New Zealand
    and finally

    Electric Scotland News
    I placed that Scottish food video on the site last week and in it was a segment about Dunlop cheese which was first created in the 1700's. I decided to contact them to see if they would send me one of their cheeses and they recommended I contact their USA outlet Scottish Gourmet USA. which I did. I talked to Anne, the owner, and as a result she sent me a wee selection of their cheeses.

    I thought I'd give you a bit of their history in case you are looking for a special Scottish present to give at Christmas so here is their story...

    Scottish Gourmet USA was founded in 2005 by Anne Robinson after several years of visiting Scotland during her courtship and then marriage in 1999 to Andrew Hamilton, a kilt wearing, scotch drinking, Scottish chef and hotelier from Inverness.

    Andrew started his Scottish food business, Scottish Wild Harvest, in late 2003 when a friend and noted restauranteur challenged Andrew to deliver live langoustines to his New York eatery. Three weeks later the first live langoustines landed at Newark Airport. The New York Times noted this Scottish invasion, labelling his product "exquisite crustaceans" and business took off. Within weeks, he was supplying the top restaurants in Manhattan. Next there were game birds, then wild blue mountain hare, and frozen langoustines. Very quickly, consumers started asking for these Scottish delicacies to cook at home. Andrew met consumers on the street outside restaurant - giving new meaning to the word dealer!

    Meanwhile Anne was going to Scotland with Andrew and shopping for gifts to bring back to friends and family. One of the gifts she always brought back, in ever increasing quantities, was Struan Heather Honey. She found many other delicious Scottish foods with no equivalent in the USA. Anne had experience in the consumer catalogue world and she decided to create Scottish Gourmet USA, a consumer direct business devoted to selling the best Scottish foods. The website was launched in July 2005 (and the first order came two days later for organic porridge oats - thank you, Megan).

    The first catalogue was mailed in October 2005. The 2007 catalogue added several new products specifically requested by our customers, Rhubarb & Ginger Jam and Dundee Cake, just to name a few. In November 2007 we added the most requested item - great tasting haggis! In spring 2009 there were new organic cheeses, oak roasted smoked salmon and new biscuits and cookies.

    Today we now sell meat pies - a frequent request, breakfast bangers, bridies and sausage rolls. While these foods may not be really 'gourmet' foods, you wanted them as they are classic Scottish foods. We definitely listen to your requests, and will let you know when your request is answered! We hope you will visit our webstore often and click on the NEW section. We are always finding more great tastes from Scotland for you.

    Hurricane Sandy hits us hard and definitely has made Christmas 2012 challenging. We lost nearly all our perishable goods as there was no power to our facility for two weeks. So we are now flying in replacement cheese, fish and making more meat pies, bridies and black pudding. Thank you all for your understanding while we recover. We will make sure all orders are delivered before Christmas! After seven years, we have a strong crew of eager elves dedicated to making your holidays Scottish.

    Our Headquarters
    Scottish Gourmet USA has offices and warehouse space just off Route 287 in South Plainfield, New Jersey. We don't have a retail store, but we do allow you to pick-up your order if that is your preference. Be sure to call in advance to be certain we'll be there to greet you. We do have warehouse sales from time to time, and there is always a SALE or SPECIAL OFFERS section on this site to allow all our customers to enjoy the best for less.

    Their web site can be found at: http://www.scottishgourmetusa.com

    -----

    I put my back out this week and so in some pain meaning I'm not able to spend as much time on the computer. Past experience suggests it will take around 6 weeks to get better. I'm also on a diet. I went to a Knights Templar investiture last week at Windsor and found I was struggling to get into my dinner jacket trousers. Obviously going downhill so I need repairing!

    Electric Canadian

    The Barren Ground of Northern Canada
    By Warburton Pike (1917).

    Now completed this book.

    You can read the final chapters at:
    http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rren/index.htm

    The Young Voyageurs
    Or Boy Hunters of the North by Captain Mayne Reid. This is a book for younger readers and we'll be adding a chapter per day until complete.

    You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion.../voyageurs.htm

    Yukon
    Added two videos, one a general travel guide and the other a 4 episode video of the 30th running of the Yukon Quest.

    You can view these at http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/yukon/index.htm

    The Flag in the Wind
    This weeks issue was compiled by Margaret Hamilton in which she is mainly taking about the benefits of Independence.

    You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org

    Electric Scotland

    The Scottish Historical Review
    We are on Volume 13 and have now added the July 1916 issue.
    You can get to this at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume13.htm

    The Early Years of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Charles, Duke of Albany [Charles I.] 1593-1605 is worth a read...

    IT would appear that the learned Royal author of the Basilicon Doron found it an easier matter to write books of good advice for his sons' guidance than to be personally concerned with their upbringing. An investigation of the contemporary records makes it clear that it was the practice of James VI. and of his Queen Anne to entrust the care and education of their children to trusted friends in their native land, upon whom devolved the duty of bringing them up in their tender years. There are some points in connection with the history of the early years of the children of King James VI. which have been somewhat obscure: it is worth while to review some of the scattered sources of our knowledge as to those years, and to consider the influences which surrounded the royal children and the way in which those influences may have affected the formation of their character.

    You can read the previous issues at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/review/

    Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
    This book is by Robert Chambers who is famous for collecting old Scottish Songs.

    Added another four songs...

    Kind Robin Lo'es Me
    The Lowlands of Holland
    Wandering Willie
    I Lo'e Ne'er A Laddie But Ane

    You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.htm

    Enigma Machine
    This is where we are publishing this set of puzzles created by Doug Ross which can now be found in Doctor's Surgeries, Old Folks Homes, etc.

    Added Enigma Machine 41 puzzle which you can get to at:
    http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma041.htm

    The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
    http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm

    I might add that if you follow the Enigma Machine thread in our Community you can work with others on figuring out each puzzle. You can get to these messages at:
    http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...le-amp-Whistle

    Hugh posts each new puzzle in there and then by the end of the week will provide the answers and then add the next one. He also gives the odd hint to help you solve the puzzle.

    Leaves from the Journal
    From our life in the Highlands from 1848 to 1861 (1868)

    We have now completed this book with the following chapters...

    Death of the Prince Imperial 19 June 1879
    Home-coming of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught 5 Sept 1879
    His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught’s Cairn 8 Sept 1879
    Visit to the Glen Gelder Shiel 6 Oct 1879
    Victory of Tel-el-Kebir and Home-coming of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Albany 11 Sept 1882
    Conclusion

    You can read these final chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/leaves/

    Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
    You can find this book towards the foot of our History of Stirlingshire page.

    Added this week chapters on...

    The Borestone
    Bridge of Allan
    Sheriffmuir
    Dunblane Catherdral

    You can get to this book which we'll be adding to over the next few weeks at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stirlingshire

    Lord Charles Neaves
    Added three more of his poems...

    A Flask of Rosy Wine
    A Page or Two of Epigrams, Etc.
    L’Envoy

    You can view these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...es_charles.htm

    Scotland, Picturesque: Historical: Descriptive
    This is a book we're serialising from the author of Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland And of the Border Raids, Forays and Conflicts by John Parker Lawson (1839)

    You need to scroll down the page to get to this book where we've now added...

    Leith and its Vicinity
    The Lothians Part 1
    The Lothians Part 2
    The Lothians Part 3

    You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/

    David Herschell Edwards
    His 16 volumes of modern Scottish Poets is probably the most massive collection of poetry by anyone in the world and it's all about Scots poets which makes it all the more amazing. Each volume portrays around 100 poets and each poet has their own wee biography, a critical assessment and a few examples of their poetry.

    Added volumes 11 and 12.

    You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ards_david.htm

    Robert Louis Stevenson
    A weekly serialisation of this intimate two volume biography of Robert Louis Stevenson by his cousin Graham Balfour.

    Added this week...

    Chapter X. The Riviera 1882 - 84
    Chapter XI, Bournemouth 1884 - 87

    You can read these chapters towards the foot of the page at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lstevenson.htm

    Recollections of a Speyside Parish
    By James Thomson (1902)

    Added this week the following chapters...

    Chapter XIV.— The Water Kelpie and Will I' The Wisp
    Chapter XV.— The Last of the Gordon Lairds of Aberlour
    Chapter XVI.— The Howdy and the Bone Doctor
    Chapter XVII.—The Kailyard..
    Chapter XVIII.— Under the Dominie's Jurisdiction - The Parish Doles
    Chapter XIX.— The Packman and the Sweetie Wife
    Chapter XX.— The Nameless Bush

    You can read these chapters at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/speyside/

    Robert Burns Lives!
    How I Came to Burns By Michael Morris, PhD

    I do not think I am easily impressed, but if I like you, I like you immediately. I like Michael Morris but I have yet to have the pleasure of talking with him in person. We were on the same conference program this past January at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies but, as is always the case, people come and go and many times there is not time to talk with everyone. Fortunately I have recently met Michael through the avenue of email and I have been impressed! I do not believe I can say it any clearer than that and it does not mean we will always agree on everything concerning Robert Burns.

    Michael is a rising Burns star and has the capability of sharing his inner thoughts while so many people around us are much too shy about themselves. He is quite a bright young man and puts both heart and soul into his writings. He was featured in last week’s edition of RBL! regarding his winning the G. Ross Roy Medal for best thesis in Scottish writing while earning his PhD. The award was presented to Michael last week at the Saltire Society’s big annual bash. I’m sure he celebrated some, but I know he went home that night and wrote today’s article for our readers when so many of us, myself included, would have spent the evening raising a few more drams. He has a book being published on his thesis, and I’m sure it will be a best seller. Those who study Robert Burns will certainly want to read what this young man has to say about him - that is, if you’re worth the salt you put on your food!

    In a recent email he wrote, “I'm thinking about writing about Burns in my school/home, my postgraduate study, how Burns came into it, and what I hope to contribute to Burns studies.” He does that with absolute clarity and shows his humility by also saying, “I'm very honoured to be the recipient of the G. Ross Roy medal this year.”

    Welcome, Michael, we look forward to other Burns articles from you in the future.

    (FRS: 11.20.13)

    You can read this article at: http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives186.htm

    History of the Island of Mull
    Embracing Description, Geology, Climate, Flora, Fauna, Antiquities, Folk Lore, Superstitions, Traditions, with an Account of its Inhabitants together with a Narrative of Iona, The Sacred Isle by J. P. MacLean (1923).

    This is a new book we're starting and it can be read at
    http://www.electricscotland.com/history/mull/index.htm

    Ed Means Column
    More mishandling of Scotland’s finances by the UK government.

    This is his second column for us.

    You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...ans/131117.htm

    Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
    Got in Section 1 of the December issue. You can get to this at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft

    Tasmina Ahmed Sheik
    Got in a copy of a speech she gave to the European Parliament which you can read at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/life...ina/131113.htm

    Christina McKelvie's column
    Added her column for 20th November 2013 at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/131120.htm

    Clan Munro of Australia
    Got in a copy of their December 2013 newsletter which you can view at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...sletters/munro

    Clan Leslie of Australia & New Zealand
    Got in the Jan, Feb, Mar 2014 newsletter which you can read at:
    http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...letters/leslie

    And finally...

    19th Century - No Need To Say Grace

    One morning a minister on meeting a little boy asked him if he had got his porridge.
    "Ay," promptly replied the urchin.
    "And did you ask a blessing before you took them?"
    "No' me."
    "What, not ask a blessing ! Were you not afraid they would choke you?"
    "Deed no ; man, they were that thin that they cudna choke me."

    -----

    19th Century - Jessie And Johnnie

    A family was seated around the fire one evening, when little Jessie suddenly asked at what time she was born.
    "You were born at two o'clock in the morning, my child ; but why do you ask?"
    "Because Johnnie was saying he was born earlier than I was," replied Jessie.
    "Oh, no ; he was not," said her mother.
    "He was not born until eight o'clock in the morning."
    "Well," said Jessie, joyously, my birthday's longer than yours yet, Johnnie."
    Johnnie, however, was not to be beaten, for he contemptuously responded,
    "Hoch, what's the use of being born before it's time to get up ?"

    -----

    And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.

    Alastair
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