Some of you know I've been preparing for a speech in my public speaking class. The speech was on the modern day wearing of the kilt, and the main purpose was to convince a class of teen and twenty-somethings that a man wearing a kilt is not an aberration or a cross-dresser, but is actually a representitive of a current social movement in men's fashion.

I gave the speech today, and while it didn't go as smoothly as I would've liked, I did do well enough to get a low "A", once I get the "Works Cited" page to the teacher (whoops). BTW, I found out that the instrutor is one of us, maybe not here at XMarks, but he wears a UK regularly; how cool is that!!

This was a big deal for me, because it's a BIG part of my grade. It's also the first time I've spoken to a crowd for an extended period of time, and I don't do crowds very well; I had to be prepared, or my brain would've locked up. I want to thank everyone who helped:

The makers that sent me some stats and impressions of the business.

Ham for sending me the shots of the UK Original, the shot I chose was perfect for illustrating the early UK.

Matt, for having albanach.org, your "Generations of Highland dress" was helpful...

...and especially those that helped me in the Tom's Cafe thread, as I think that portion of the speech was key to my purpose. The "official" critic said I did a good job drawing the line between, as he put it, "the guys in drag" and the bravehearts.

I'm glad it's over; I think I need a dram or two now (for medicinal purposes ;)).

Thanks again.