From The Editor

Editor’s Thoughts

July 4th happens to be one of my favorite holidays. It is a midsummer break, accented with an illuminating celebration of independence and freedom. It marks the beginning of a new found democracy unlike any known to he world. To the surprise of many it was and continues to be a place of opportunity for those who live up to the expectations and demands of that freedom.

Independence day also marks the North American National Championships, held in Nashville, Tennessee, this year. This annual event brings the best of the North America together for one final competition before the World Championships. All the latest costumes, wigs and dance shoes are here at this event. This year each award night had a theme: Country Western (New England), (South Beach (Canada), 4th of July (Mid-West), The Happy Region (Mid-Atlantic), Oscars (Southern and Western region).  It took on a Mardi Gras feel with beach balls, red white and blue necklaces, noisemakers, and cowboy hats, all tossed into the crowd. (Results and photos begin on page 16.)

I read once that if you live life with no boundaries there is less joy. It is a profound statement that questions the very nature of the way we live our lives. It questions our sense of discipline as individuals, employees and employers and parents. Do we earn our self-respect or are we entitled to it? There is no question as to whether or not the Kevinah and Fiona Dargan have earned their respect when they put on their dancing shoes. This month we have their story and more.

There is no particular theme for this issue. We managed to bring an assortment of all things Irish—including summer festival—to our pages. The price of gas has put a crunch on travel this year and folks are finding themselves traveling less and finding fun in events closer to home. We have listed a number of great festivals to attend.

In addition to the travel ideas we continue our Irish-American history lessons with a few historical articles. We have all heard about Custer’s last stand at Little Big Horn but there are some interesting details of the worst defeat in American military history.

Also, we have the history of one of the most well-known symbols of the Irish culture—the Celtic cross, More dance articles and a piece from Ray Cavanaugh, a new addition to our staff. He tells us about George Bernard Shaw, one of the four Irish Noble prizewinners.

There are a number of Irish musicians breaking into the jazz genre. If you are a jazz and traditional music enthusiast then you may be impressed with two new CD releases
Enjoy your summer issue and as always God bless the Irish spirit.