Outlander Preview

Hey bloggers!

As my last required blog, I have made a video that has all the components we've been taught before. This video is a preview to the book that I am obviously obsessed with. Enjoy!

Scotland is Real... Imagine that.

     In the spirit of the Advertising section our class just came out of, I found a nifty little video that is an ad that actually aired in Scotland in 2009! In the video, some of Scotland's stars sing about 'coming home' to participate in the next years Homecoming celebrations. 

"Caledonia" by Dougie MacLeanwas used not just for the lyrics because because most Scots knew that song and it would catch people's attention. 

Here's a little background to the celebration in which their singing about!

•  It wasn't just about Homecoming but it was a chance to open the eyes of the world to the greatness of Scotland. In the press release, it was said that: "Homecoming was a unique concept that represented the largest collaborative tourism initiative Scotland has ever staged." 
• It was also about Robert Burns, a Scottish poet who is regarded as the national poet of the country and has had a large influence on Scottish literature. 
• 2009 marked the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth and was the inspiration behind the year of Homecoming.
• The country set May as Whisky Month, which invited people to try their homemade spirits
• The event also invited people to come and play golf because Scotland is a country that was renowned as the the "Home of Golf". 
• It was also used to celebrate the invovative minds that inhabited Scotland in the 18th century. They held exhibitions, concerts, festivals and gatherings that celebrated Scotland’s contribution in many scientific and cultural fields.
• And finally, they were trying to reach out to people whose ancestors lived in Scotland and inspired them to come "retrace the footsteps of their ancestors".

I think this was also used to let people know that Scotland is actually a real place. Real people. Real inventions.It seemed to be great success and they are planning another one to be held in 2014... I thinkit'd be an extremely cultural experience... and I'm being 100% bias. SO GO. :D   

WWOS: Advertisement!

The Wonderful World of Scotland is a blog that could potentially spark interest for all who read it. It's a cultural, historical, and extremely interesting web log and it's just the one for you! 

Image source: 1x.com by Rebecca Cusworth

I know that college students don't get the time or the money they require to travel like they'd want to. Because of this, this blog was made to follow a historical country from it's clothing to it's alphabet and help these potential travelers get a feel of the beautiful country! Hope you enjoy! :] 

________________________________________________________________________

Here's the answer to the questions from the last blog. 

1. C
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. A
8. C

Attention: Pop Quiz!

For this blog, I've decided to quiz everyone on how well they've paid attention to my Scottish rantings! Each of my posts (for the most part) have held some kind of information about Scotland and its many historical and cultural beauties... (and possibly a few of my opinions as well). :]
Good luck!


1.) Why did men and women travel from England to Scotland to get married?
     a. England passed a law that stated that any man or woman under the age of 16 could not get married
     b. Scotland has a more beautiful landscape than England.
     c. England passed a law that prevented a bride or groom under the age of 21 from marrying without the consent of a guardian.


2.) How are the eating habits in Scotland different from America?
     a. America has more fast food places whereas in Scotland, people eat in more.
     b. Scottish food is more fattening.
     c. The Scots typically only eat twice a day.


3.)What is the legal drinking age in Scotland?
     a. 16
     b. 18
     c. 21


4.) What are each of the letters in the Gaelic alphabet named after?
     a. Trees/Shrubs
     b. Animals 
     c. Flowers


5.) How did men have to get in the kilts in which they wore in older times?
     a. By standing still as someone wraps fabric around your waist and secures it over your shoulder. 
     b. By the snapping the buttons on the side of the waist band
     c. By laying down on the ground and having someone wrap it around and secure it with a belt.


6.)What is one thing I would NOT like to do before I die?
     a. Learn how to speak German and Spanish fluently
     b. Earn a bachelors degree in Biology 
     c. Buy a Golden Retriever


7.) How is Scottish fashion different from American?
     a. The people in America dress more casual. 
     b. Women in Scotland wear brighter colors.
     c. Scottish people typically just put on sweatpants and a sweater and go out.


8.) What is the name of the book series that I am in love with? ;D
     a. Harry Potter by JK Rowling
     b. Outlander by Howard McCain
     c. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon


The end! I will post the answers at the end of my next post. Have fun. :]   

"Kickin' the bucket"

  For this blog, I'm going off topic quite a bit because of an assigned topic. So... Before death, there are things that every person in this world wants to do. Whether it be to see a country, go on an adventure, or dress up like a leprechaun and run around the streets screaming about your lucky charms (not coming from experience). 

     Many people call this a "Bucket List" in relation to "kickin' the bucket" as many people have said before. Because of this, I have put together a video that shows the things that I want to do before I die! Enjoy... :] 

IMAGE SOURCES:
http://www.higheredutah.org/2010/02/canyons-college-ready-diploma-plan-gets-support-from-higher-ed-salt-lake-tribune/
http://pinellasnewsboy.com/2009/05/04/tax-credit-money-up-front-for-your-pinellas-county-home/
http://areyouhappyatwork.wordpress.com/category/self-esteem-and-confidence/
http://thundafunda.com/33/World-tour/Edinburgh%20Castle,%20Edinburgh,%20Scotland%20pictures.html
http://www.richard-seaman.com/Wallpaper/NewZealand/Activities/index.html
http://wallpaperboy.com/sports/mountain-climbing/mountain-climb/
http://strongblkwmn.blogspot.com/
http://www.watchmojo.com/blog/sports/2008/11/07/falling-for-scrabble/
http://blog.modelmanagement.com/2009/07/15/fame-for-fortune-miss-jamaica-universe-giving-children-a-future/
http://www.examiner.com/golden-retriever-in-grand-rapids/the-versatile-golden-retriever

The Ever Masculine Manskirt

Image source: http://www.kiltmen.com/

     Some people may think that a man in skirt is the furthest from straight that a man could possibly be. Scottish (and Irish) men have proven this wrong on many levels. Kilts are 'manskirts' that date back to at least sixteenth century Scotland. When they were highly prominent, a saying came about that said "a man in a kilt is a man and a half." You obviously couldn't take this to mean that the men in Scotland were weak men. The Scots word is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word Kilting, taken from the Norse settlers who wore a similar pleated garment.

     Kilts, in older times, were not tailored in any way but was made from two loom widths of material sewn together which gave it a total width of about sixty inches and its length was about seven yards. It was a heavy garment that required time an help in order for the man to get in it. He would have to first lay out his belt under the material, then he would have to fold it into pleats. Afterwards, he would then lie on it, wrap it around his body, and secure it into place with his belt. These days, a man can put on a kilt by himself with no help whatsoever. 


     Sadly, after the kilted 51st Highland Division was rated by the Germans as "the most formidable of all the formations" during the First World War, the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the battle of Culloden began the banning of the use of Highland dress and tartan. Any offenders were to be killed or sent to the colonies. This banning of wearing their Highland outfits lasted until 1782 but even then, they were only permitted to wear any Scottish wear if the joined the British Armed Services or became a piper.


     Other than kilts, they were allowed to wear their barmoral (a type of hat) with their clan badge on it or the regular military uniform. Now, into the 21st century, some men are still wearing the kilt as a reminder of their history.

To learn more about these history loving men, click here.


To learn more about the history of kilts in general, click here.

     This is shows how to put on a traditional kilt. It's quite long but sort of fascinating as well! (Try not to pay attention to their talking) 


OUTLANDER MOMENT: 

"The rest of the journey passed uneventfully, if you consider it uneventful to ride fifteen miles on horseback through rough country at night, frequently without benefit of roads, in company with kilted men armed to the teeth, and sharing a horse with a wounded man. At least we were not set upon by highwaymen, we encountered no wild beasts, and it didn't rain. By the standards I was becoming used to, it was quite dull." 

-Diana Gabaldon- "Outlander"

Suffering from Gaelic-ism

     Is it just me thinking this or is it not absolutely wonderful how different languages can be from one another? I mean... the Bible has been translated over 2,000 times and yet... does anybody know every single one of these languages? 

     I have always just been fascinated with anyone who could fluently speak something other than their native language without having to strain to think about the next word. In regard to the subject of this blog, is it any wonder that I'm more fascinated with the dying language of the Scots than any other? 

This is Gaelic (Gàidhlig)...

Image Source: http://www.omniglot.com/writing/gaelic.htm

     Not to be confused with the other lovely Celtic languages, Gaelic is spoken by about 60,000 people throughout Scotland but also smaller cities in Canada. It is closely related to languages such as Irish, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton which were developed in various different parts of Ireland and/or Scotland. 

Scottish Gaelic - Tha mi a' fuireach ann an Alba

Irish - Tá mé i mo chónaí in Albain

Manx - Ta mee cummal ayns Nalbin

Welsh - Dw i'n byw yn yr Alban

Cornish - Trigys ov yn Alban

Breton - E Bro-Skos emaon o chom

      Can you see the differences and similarities between the six languages? As you go down the list, you can see the different vowel and consonant changes and it just astounds me to see how they can be so alike and different at the same time. 

    We obviously have 26 letters making up our alphabet but Gaelic, on the other hand, only has 18. What's neat about this tiny alphabet is that each of these letters were named after a tree or a shrub.

TRANSLATION

     This song, in Gaelic, is called "Oran Balaich Eoghainn" which translates to " The Song of Ewan's Sons" and was arranged by Eilidh Mackenzie.  If you want to get a feel of what the Gaelic language sounds like... this is your best bet. :]

To learn more on this language or any of the other Celtic languages, click here. 

    

   

Ageless Drinking

   Okay, so I didn't want this blog to be controversial in the least... but today when I was skimming through the BBC news, I encountered an article that read:

"Two men have been charged with the murder of a teenager stabbed as he walked home from watching a football match in a bar."

It just kind of clicked in my head that bar and teenager wouldn't go together in the United States. Obviously I know that the legal drinking age is lower in Europe but what I'm not comprehending is how we are any different. (This blog has nothing to do with details in the story.)

                           IMAGE SOURCE:  http://www.drinkingandyou.com/site/can/child.htm
   We all know that the US is extremely strict on the drinking laws here. We also know that for anyone to sip even a little... they would have to sneak past suspicious parents. It's strange that we are so strict when other places such as the ever fabulous Scotland has a legal drinking age of 18. Really, it is legal for a parent in Scotland to give their children alcohol in the home at the age of five.. and if accompanied by someone over the age of 18, a 16 year old can order beer, wine, ale (etc) with their meals. What I'm getting at is... they're not all turning out to be alcoholics so what is so different with us? I'm really not saying that every person in Europe doesn't misuse what is given to them at such a young age but... I feel like they don't abuse it as much as us.
   Maybe it's because in the US, the legal drinking age is so 'high' that people can't wait to use their privileges and once they're able to, they abuse them.  Maybe it's that our society is just  immature and can't handle something that could and will take away the senses if used in large amounts. Either way... It just doesn't add up to be so different. But then again... We do drive on the right side of the road. 

An interview with a Scot...

Hey bloggers! This week I had the privilege to sit down with a person born and raised in Scotland and asked her a few questions to get the feel of her country and lifestyle
                                                             Image Source: Fiona Laurie (pictured far right)

WHAT'S YOUR NAME AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My name is Fiona Laurie and I'm from Edinburgh in Scotland.


WHY ARE YOU AT BRENAU?
I'm studying at Brenau for one year on the "Georgia Rotary Student Programme", which is a scholarship to study at a university in Georgia for one year. 60 people from around the world are offered the scholarship and it is to promote peace throughout the world.


CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY YOUR COUNTRY DIFFERS FROM ANY OTHER?
Scotland is very different from America as it is a lot smaller. Scotland is also different to other European countries. We have our own accent and words and we like to be very independent. Scotland has so much history and wherever you go in Edinburgh there is always a historic story behind it.

HOW IS THE FOOD IN AMERICA DIFFERENT FROM YOUR HOME?
America has a lot more fast food. We still have fast food but not as many variations. We also don't eat out as much in Scotland.  However, I do like eating out in America and as there are so many choices you would never be eating the same thing. Also, everything in the South is fried which is good but bad at the same time!


HOW DOES FASHION IN THE UNITED STATES DIFFER FROM SCOTLAND?
Fashion is much the same between America and Scotland. However, in America people are more casual, for example, they will just put on sweatpants and a sweater to go out. In Scotland not many people do this.


WHAT TO YOU IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMERICA AND SCOTLAND?
The biggest difference between America and Scotland is the size of everything. I could drive two hours and be in England, whereas you do not even get near to leaving the state in America. In Scotland cities are much closer together and buses, trains etc make it very easy to get around. In America you need a car unless you are in a big city.


DO YOU FIND SCOTLAND TO BE MORE BEAUTIFUL IN ITS LANDSCAPE?
I am lucky to live near Edinburgh as when I am in the city I get a beautiful view of Edinburgh castle and all the history which is great. There is also really picturesque countryside around with farm animals which is pretty too. America has beautiful landscape too as there is lots of space for people to raise animals.

IF YOU COULD PAINT THE WORLD WHEN YOU LOOK OUT YOUR WINDOW IN SCOTLAND, WHAT WOULD YOU SEE?
If I look out my window I see a street of nice semi-detached houses and if I look beyond them I see big fields filled with trees and flowers. At night in the distance you can see the lights from the city.

Hopelessly Romantic...

     The first thing that caught my eye about this brilliant country is how very romantic it is always portrayed in novels and movies (excluding Braveheart). And it is just that, romantic. The scenery is majestic and a natural beauty seems to pop out at you as it is described within the paragraphs of any Scottish novel. Atop the emerald landscapes sit some of the oldest castles that are also some of the most sought out locations for Scottish weddings. Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh), Eilean Donan Castle (island of Loch Duich... pictured below) and Comlongon Castle (Dumfries) are some examples. Most of the castles within Scotland are placed above some of the more dangerous ledges where the Atlantic Ocean smashes against the rock walls and creates a more savage rather than beautiful.

Image Source: Travlang Travel Guide

http://www.travlang.com/blog/eilean-donan-castle-a-quizotic-spot-of-scotland/

   Another romantic option for a Scottish wedding is the legendary Gretna Green. For those of you who don't know what that is, it used to be one of those most infamous places for a couple to elope. In 1754, England passed a law that prevented a bride or groom under the age of 21 from marrying without the consent of a guardian. This didn't stop these young lovestruck couples from getting what they wanted when it was still legal to marry at the age of 16 in the tiny village of Gretna Green. So, with love blurring their senses, men and women would escape over the border on stage coaches and engaged in hasty marriages conducted by everyday people such as Blacksmiths. Gretna Green has been a haven for romantic lovers for more than 250 years with couples having traveled for days by horse and coach, and said to be on the run from fathers in hot pursuit. As romantic as it is to be married by a blacksmith, it is now required to be married by a priest in this widely visited village which requires you to call/email in advance to actually set up a time and date for your 'elopement'. :]
OUTLANDER JUSTIFICATION MOMENT:
      I may not like to admit to this defeat but my "Outlander" series is classified as historical romance and I absolutely love them. But to me, it is so much more than any "boy-meets-girl" novel. The characters seem to have lives and a purpose rather than to just fall in love, rut, and live happily ever after. You get to read through a Scottish revolution. One that involves the Scottish rebels having to go through mental pain, physical pain, malnourisment and ultimately having to surrender their beloved country and culture over to their opponent, the English. It takes you from the larger cities such as Edinburgh to smaller cities that have now fallen to rubble because of wars and famines. 

O my luve's like a red, red rose, 

That's newly sprung in June, 

My luve's like the melodie 

That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass, 

So deep in luve am I, 

And I will luve thee still, my dear, 

Till a` the seas gang dry.

From `A Red, Red Rose` - Robert Burns [ 1794]

An Introduction To A Scottish Obsession

     I have never traveled outside of the United States of America. I have never been lifted 25,000 feet into the air and gazed down onto land below. Keeping this in mind, it seems a little strange to comprehend the fact that a girl such as I would have an illogical obsession over a country that is over 4,000 miles away. Yet, any time I am asked where my favorite place on this Earth is, I answer it simply with Scotland.

     There really is no justification for the unexplainable love other than the many Scottish novels I have read over the years and there have been many. The one that has inspired my love for Scotland the most had to be the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon. Over the course of this blog, I will probably quote from these books quite a bit just to get a feel of the way people talk and the things they do, carry, etc etc.

     Any country can boast about their many accomplishments and failures. They have their own culture, history, and lifestyle. I will research the many historical aspects of my beloved, emerald country and give opinions as I learn the interesting facts. I may even attempt to make some well known Scottish recipes to make this a hands on experience. I'm really excited about this adventure and I cannot wait to delve deep into the interesting information! 

"Harmless as a setting dove," he agreed. "I'm too hungry to be a threat to anything but breakfast. Let a stray bannock come within reach, though, and I'll no answer for the consequences."

                                                                     -Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander"