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From Robert W. Service Home Page: All works by Robert Service are in the Public Domain; They Are Not Owned by and so Cannot be ... -
Here's a collection of daughter quotes to gently remind yourself, and her; of how precious your daughter RE... -
A Canadian If the white race were not racist; but, even more importantly; if those who are wholly or even partially of the black race,... -
Interestingly, starting with what are probably his two shortest commercially published poems, (The Sunshine Seeks my Little Ro... -
From Robert W. Service Home Page: All works by Robert Service are in the Public Domain; They Are Not Owned by and so Cannot be At...
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Chorus-Bannocks o' bear meal, Bannocks o' barley, Here's to the Highlandman's Bannocks o' barley! Wha, in a bruly...
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I have observed that there are several websites FALSELY claiming ownership of this article; but, of course, since the original author i... -
IN CANADA From shadows of rich oaks outpeer The moss-green bastions of the weir, Where the quick dipper forages In elver-people... -
In memory of Robert (Sandy-Sandy-Man) Girvan, my son. A Dad Hurts Too People don’t always see the tears a DAD cries, His ... -
BERLIN --The Christmas truce of the Great War in 1914 was started by a "peace movement" of German soldiers who won over ...
Thursday 21 December 2017
Monday 11 December 2017
Self Disipline
I am strong because I’ve been weak.
I’m fearless because I've been afraid. I'm wise because I’ve been Foolish.Without the Children, Family, one and all, tomorrow wouldn't be worth the wait. Yesterday not worth remembering. They are the beat of my heart. They are the circulation, the pulse in my veins. Though Nature, the Creator, gave me life, they, My Children always; are that which gives me energy.
YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS; WILL EVER KNOW; WHEN YOU ARE SIMPLY USING ANOTHER CRUTCH TO PROTECT YOUR INSECURITY; IN AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP YOUR EGO TOGETHER; WHEN YOU’RE ABOUT TO COME UNRAVELED, LET THINGS ALL FALL OUT; OR LETTING THE WORLD COME, AS IT IS AND MAY-WORKING WITH NATURE FATHER THAN STRUGGLING AGAINST-IN AN IMPOSSIBLE ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT. YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO ***KNOWS***.
FRUITS OF SELF CONTROL
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
· Taking time to Meditate/Think.Mastering of moods.
· Restraint of Re-Actions.
· Never having to feel any need to Apologise.
· Remembering-past is PAST an appology changes nothing- therefore is of NO VALUE -EVER.
You are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you may feel at any time in any place. REMEMBER THAT
·
Sunday 10 December 2017
What Real Friendship, True Love Means
True Love can not expire.
The other kind, I do decline;
never shall be,
what I require.
Real Friendship does not conspire.
Real Friendship, is not Trendship;
Like real love; true friendship
can not expire.
The other kind; no thanks;
Pray never shall be, so inclined.
Al (Alex-Alexander) D Girvan.
Tuesday 5 December 2017
FATHER’S DAY, Including Single Fathers
Don’t take away from the Fathers that must do in on their own. We don’t use the day to call out all the to call out all the “Dead Beat Mamas.
Monday 4 December 2017
I'll Love you Forever, the Child I Made
I AM DAD
FATHER, PROVIDER, PROTECTOR, TEACHER, CHEF.
HOUSEKEEPER, CHINESE LAUNDRY, COACH CHAUFFEUR, NURSE;
STORYTELLER, MONSTER KILLER, PLANNER ORGANISER,
DECORATOR, CRAFTER, MULTI-TASKING KING, SUPERMAN, AND FRIEND,
AND YES, THOUGH YOUR MOTHER CARRIED YOU;
‘TWAS I WHO GAVE YOU LIFE.
Most, anyone can have a child;
“a parent”, call themselves.
The real parent is the one put that child
above their own selfish needs or wants.
When a father makes the decision to create a child,
he’s also making the decision to take responsibility for that child.
A father never abandons his obligation as a parent,
because he’s tired, has “other plans”.
The father’s love begins, long before the child is born,
and lasts until the end of time,
through difficulties and differences;
through difficulties and differences;
many scars and wounds.
Days of sorrow, winding, wearing, weeping sharing,
ever changing.
Until at the end what remains; is that solid core;
that began as His Love before the child was born ©. Al (Alex, Alexander) D Girvan.
Monday 18 September 2017
The Proper Attire for Worshipping.
One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged.
In his hand, he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn-out Bible. The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed in expensive clothes and accessories.
As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to or welcomed him. They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.
As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favour: “Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship.”
The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.
But the next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots and hat.
Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the man and said, “I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church.”
“I did,” replied the old cowboy.
“If you spoke to God, what did he tell you proper attire should be for worshipping in here?” asked the preacher.
“Well, sir, God told me that He didn’t have a clue what I should wear. He said He’d never been in here before.”
Wednesday 9 August 2017
Sunday 6 August 2017
Monday 24 July 2017
Friday 14 July 2017
Wednesday 5 July 2017
Wednesday 28 June 2017
Monday 26 June 2017
Saturday 24 June 2017
Friday 16 June 2017
Wednesday 14 June 2017
Tuesday 6 June 2017
Wednesday 31 May 2017
Friday 26 May 2017
Tuesday 23 May 2017
Sunday 21 May 2017
Friday 19 May 2017
Sunday 14 May 2017
Friday 12 May 2017
Thursday 11 May 2017
Tuesday 9 May 2017
Sunday 23 April 2017
Due to Daily Practice I am now able to Play; Well Enough That I, at Least, can Identify the Melody, from the sound of some old bovine attempting to pull its leg out of a mud hole.
Well it’s been a while; with daily practice I am now
able to play; slowly; nowhere near the 90 BPM I eventually hope for; but well
enough that I, at least, can identify the melody from the sound of some old
bovine attempting to pull its leg out of a mud hole. I still find the 4th
and 5th measures very difficult and it is not just because of
diminished lung capacity; I’m just not any super talent musician. Main things; learning
is a challenge, demands commitment, self-discipline, I enjoy the accomplishment
of learning…it give me at least, a sense of LIVING-being. Of course, W. C. Hady wrote St Louis Blues for cornet; this is my harmonica version.
Saturday 25 March 2017
Wednesday 22 March 2017
Tuesday 21 March 2017
Monday 20 March 2017
Thursday 16 March 2017
Wednesday 15 March 2017
Harmonicas; Dreams Aspirations.
About harmonicas
and my Playing Ability.
I am not a professional entertainer or musician.
Although it is true almost all modern
music is a derivative/variation of blues/jazz; I am not a “blues” musician. I
am not a “country” musician. I am not a “folk/classical musician. I am not a “rock” musician. Should I
ever discover that I am labelled as any of these, I will quit playing, forever. Hell, I am not even; never will be even a
reasonably “Good” musician. I simply enjoy playing and it is “good” very much
needed exercise for my lungs.
Pictured
are my harmonicas and a brief explanation of how and why they are played.
1.) Hohner Marine Band Harmonica (original).
The Marine Band is the base model of the line. This model is “nailed" together, a real pain in the
butt when it comes to making any adjustment or when cleaning. Technically named
the Marine Band 1896/20 for the year it was introduced and the twenty reeds it
possesses, it has been the basis of a number of Hohner’s harmonicas over the
years. It also has some tuning variations like the 1896N (natural minor key)
and the 1896H (harmonic minor key.
The Marine Band has been Hohner's most popular model of harmonica for
generations. Of course “originally” made in Germany on a wood comb (mellow,
earthy sound), many blues and most folk/Irish/Scottish artists play a Marine
Band.
2.) There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. The “Deluxe”
Version has a sealed comb and the edges of the holes are rounded somewhat (lot
easier on lips and tongue, just be careful not to blow too hard-volume-not a hurricane, the player must inhale or exhale through the harmonica, not suck, or blow it-this model especially, is not forgiving.)
Several noted, paid, promoter/users users are Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bruce
Springsteen, Little Walter and Neil Young.
3.) A Hohner Special 20.
Awesome response, superior
bendability and the sweetest tone ever. This harp is NOW, the FIRST CHOICE for
those learning to play. Its special airtight design makes it the most
recommended go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues,
country, folk or rock. The plastic comb doesn’t absorb moisture making it
longer lasting.
Then there are the real
Professional Grade Harmonicas
4.) C.A. SEYDEL SÖHNE 1847 NOBLE.
The 1847 NOBLE the consequently enhanced development of the successful
1847 Blues models with stainless steel reeds (stainless steel reeds give great
sound, love that; however, the forward curving comb front is an entirely
different matter(hard on the lips and tongue and makes the holes seem smaller
but harder to get an effective seal on.
New cover plates; matted stainless steel covers with side-vents
(openings on both sides)optimised sound projection and distribution of airflow
if playing fully cupped
Cone-shaped lower cover plate for low keys (LF to LC) - minimised reed
rattling in holes 1 and 2 draw, even if played hard
New comb accurately milled from aluminium, anodised in black and with
the SEYDEL logo laser-engraved on the back
Superb air-tightness and improved handling due to the greater weight of
the instrument
New tactile oval key stickers- hard wearing and removes the danger of
holding the instrument the wrong way round, even in the dark
Approved corrosion-free fine-cut reed plates made of German Silver(white “pot”
metal) fixed with stainless steel screws - extremely close tolerances between
slot and reed for best possible tone control for the player
Precisely factory adjusted, pitch-stable and durable reeds and rivets
both made of Stainless Steel - optimal tone response and a full sound
The 1847 NOBLE - the jewel of the
1847 Blues harmonica collection. An instrument built without compromise; made
from only the best materials available.
And the Suzuki Promasters- by far
the “BEST” Production
Harmonicas made.
5.) Ok, I know that there cannot be a "best"
harmonica. There's just too many differences in people, as well as their music.
The Suzuki Promaster just looks and feels like a REALLY high-end musical
instrument. The first time I held one in my hand in a music store, I thought to
myself: "Wow, I don't think I even want to know what this thing must
cost". Suzuki Promaster harps are among the best harmonicas ever made. They're
tops for ease of playing, appearance, tone quality, and longevity. Their design
is sheer elegance. As you can tell, Promasters give me something close to a
sexual turn on. Also, the prices for them are quite reasonable. Though a little
pricier than Lee Oskars or Hohners, or even Seydels; they are more than worth
the difference and you'll save money in the long run because the reeds last so
long. I have a boxed set (C,G,A,D,F,Bb).
Sunday 19 February 2017
Friday 17 February 2017
Tuesday 14 February 2017
Sunday 12 February 2017
Saturday 11 February 2017
Thursday 9 February 2017
Tuesday 7 February 2017
Monday 6 February 2017
This Post Goes Out, Especially to David Girvan
Be it Facebook, Google, Social Media;
I believe we all agree,
at very best, they'll change your post;
then sit back; laugh with glee;
and try to steal what strikes them most.
This is how the poems appeared, when first i published them.
INTERESTINGLY: All are lesser known poems of Robert Service--the True, Ayrshire Poet.
My Bear
I never killed a bear because
I always thought them critters was
So kindo’ cute;
Though round my shack they often came,
I’d raise my rifle and take aim,
But couldn’t shoot.
Yet there was one full six-feet tall
Who came each night and gobbled all
The grub in sight;
On my pet garden truck he’d feast,
Until I thought I must at least
Give him a fight.
I put some corn mush in a pan;
He lapped it swiftly down and ran
With bruin glee;
A second day I did the same,
Again with eagerness he came
To gulp and flee.
The third day I mixed up a cross
Of mustard and tobacco sauce,
And ginger too,
Well spiced with pepper of cayenne,
Topped it with treacled mush, and then
Set out the brew.
He was a huge and husky chap;
I saw him shamble to the trap,
The dawn was dim.
He squatted down on his behind,
And through the cheese-cloth window-blind
I peeked at him.
I never saw a bear so glad;
A look of joy seraphic had
His visage brown;
He slavered, and without suspish-
-lon hugged that horrid dish,
And swilled it down.
Just for a moment he was still,
Then he erupted loud and shrill
With frantic yell;
The picket fence he tried to vault;
He turned a double somersault,
And ran like hell.
I saw him leap into the lake,
As if a thirst of fire to slack,
And thrash up foam;
And then he sped along the shore,
And beat his breast with raucous roar,
And made for home.
I guess he told the folks back there
My homestead was taboo for bear
For since that day,
Although my pumpkins star the ground,
No other bear has come around,
Nor trace of bruin have I found,
-Well, let me pray
No Sourdough
To be a bony feed Sourdough
You must, by Yukon Law,
Have killed a moose,
And robbed a sluice,
AND BUNKED UP WITH A SQUAW….
Alas! Sourdough I’ll never be.
Oh, sad is my excuse:
My shooting’s so damn bad, you see….
I’ve never killed a moose
Strip Teaser
My precious grand-child aged two,
Is eager to unlace one shoe,
And then the other;
Her cotton socks she’ll deftly doff
Despite the mild reproaches of
Her mother.
Around the house she loves to fare,
And with her rosy tootsies bare,
Pit-pat the floor;
And though remonstrances we make
She presently decides to take
Off something more.
Her pinafore she next unties,
And then before we realise,
Her dress drops down;
Her panties and her brassiere,
Her chemise and her underwear
Are round her strown.
And now she dances all about,
As naked as a new-caught trout,
With impish glee;
And though she’s beautiful like that,
(A cherubim, but not so fat).
Quite shocked are we.
And so we dread with dim dismay
Some day she may her charms display
In skimpy wear;
Aye, even in a gee-string she
May frolic on the stage of the
Folies-Bergère
But e’er she does, I hope she’ll read
This worldly wise and warning screed,
That to conceal,
Unto the ordinary man
Is often more alluring than
To ALL reveal
Thursday 2 February 2017
Friday 27 January 2017
Sunday 22 January 2017
Saturday 21 January 2017
Friday 20 January 2017
Wednesday 18 January 2017
Monday 16 January 2017
Sunday 8 January 2017
ONLY 1 IN A THOUSAND OR A “GENUS CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM
1+4=5
2+5=12
3+6=21
8+11=?
Ok! Let’s start out: First of all, math is an exact science, there can be only 1 correct answer.
1. The answer must hold true for all the information given.
2. On the other hand, all the information must hold true.1+4=5, true. 2+5=12, not true.3+ 12=21, not true. Therefore the equation is either a lot of goobel-dy goop that cannot be correctly solved OR, there is information missing.
3. Let us explore some possibilities:1+4=5, 2x5+2=12, 3x6+3=21, 8x11+8=96; each line of the equation-information reads correctly.
4. Some people might claim there is ONE EXCEPTION=running total. They might try to claim the correct answer should be 1+4=5, 5+2+5=12, 12+3+6=221+8 +11 =40; once again each line APPEARS to read correctly.
5. However, a running total of 1+5=5, 5+2+5=12, 12+3+6=21 21+4+7=32, 32+5+8=45, 45+6+9=60, 60+7 +10=77, 77+8+11=96 ALSO READS CORRECTLY and; makes more sense.By writing this solution out in a Column, as originally shown; it is easy to see how (add a few more numbers to the sequence, if you so desire;96+9+12=117, 117+10+13=140). this solution meets ALL requirements. THE correct answer is 96. There can only be the one.
JIMMIE RODGERS 'Nobody Knows But Me' (1929) Blues Guitar Legend
All "modern"country music, most rock is derived from the blues; therefore, Jimmy Rodger can well be considered the "God Father" of both.
Saturday 7 January 2017
George Jones - She's Mine
Just my thoughts but I much prefer this version to any other well sung, understandable (not sung entirely through the nose). You might also notice, no background singers, just George Jones. Well worth listening to, and remembering.
Friday 6 January 2017
Monday 2 January 2017
Sunday 1 January 2017
Con-servatives, Fib-erals, and Poli-tics.
Politics, n: [Poly "many" + tics "blood-sucking parasites".
The CON-servatives are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Fib-erals are the party that says government doesn't work; and, then they get elected; and prove it.
Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamoured of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others.
A Con-servative is also a man or a woman who believes that nothing should be done for the first time. However, their very conservatism is secondhand, and they don't know what they are conserving
The CON-servatives are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Fib-erals are the party that says government doesn't work; and, then they get elected; and prove it.
Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamoured of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others.
A Con-servative is also a man or a woman who believes that nothing should be done for the first time. However, their very conservatism is secondhand, and they don't know what they are conserving
Under democratic party style politics, one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other parties are unfit to rule
Under democratic party style politics, one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other parties are unfit to rule — notably, they commonly succeed, and they are always right.
If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards,
If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 60 years ago, a liberal 30 years ago and a racist today.
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