It's here folks . . .. February 2013

. . . and it's a great issue with stories from Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Galicia in Portugal and Spain, and even a sprinkling of Colonial America. I think for a sole editor, publisher, layout artist, contributing author and floor sweeper, along with a wonderful, great, fabulous bunch of volunteer authors from all over the Celtic world, we do a pretty damn good job of it!

I have already received five stories for our March issue so I better get busy on that while you folks enjoy the Feb issue at:

The Celtic Guide

February 2013 issue almost ready

By early next week you'll be treated to our latest FREE edition of Celtic Guide. We have a somewhat surprising front cover and accompanying story, I just don't want to give it away too soon. Our theme is Celtic Ceremonies and we have information on coronations, funerals, weddings and more. There are some very detailed articles on Gaelic kings, and on Pict kings. The fire ceremonies of Europe, begun in the ancient days when Celts were considered the "first Europeans," help explain more modern Yule Log fires. There are stories from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Galicia (Portugal/Spain), and even a quick look at "Irish" customs in Colonial America.

Once again our great group of authors have taken the theme of "ceremony" to some interesting destinations. Watch for the newest issue of Celtic Guide any day now.

Jim

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A Concrete Example

We always read about "ancient knowledge" and how there may be more of it yet to discover. For those who scoff, I offer this concrete example, and I do mean concrete. I was watching a show on ancient buildings and the subject of concrete and cement came up. I spent til 1:30 in the morning reading up on it and found that the Romans had concrete that could dry or set up under water, but after their civilization collapsed that knowledge was hidden until the mid 1750s when a Scotsman (of course) rediscovered it.

 The Romans used volcanic ash. This gentleman used the slag left over from iron smelting. Turns out both substances had silica in them and that is what made the under water drying possible. So anytime anyone says there's no such thing as ancient knowledge being rediscovered . . . NOT!

 I will be covering this story in our "game changers" issue for March.

A New Year

Here we go! The world didn't end, the sun is shining (at least in a few places) and our New Beginnings website and January issue has already garnered a couple thousand hits.

We have lots of plans for this year, and, as this is just my part time hobby, it will take a little time . . . but we never let our guard down. Anyone who want to participate, just give me an email holler.

Very excited about what is on its way and if we grow anything like we did over last year - look out!

Jim

The Celtic Guide