The Arsenal Situation???

On Saturday 14th October 2017, Arsenal played another dreadful game of football and lost 2-1 to Watford. It shouldn’t have happened and the fans are on the war path again. Once more we hear the cries calling to fire Wenger, the 21 year team manager. It happened last year when we failed to even make the top four.  It has continued to happened more often in the last few years.   There has been little or no improvement, the gunners sold Chamberlain to Liverpool, a good player we could have used. We brought in very little in the way of top new players. Finally we have started the new 2017-18 season very poorly presently sitting in position 6 in the league. Arsene Wenger has been a great manage and a loyal member of the Arsenal Organization for many years. I believe he deserves our thanks and respect and should stay with the club, but in a different roll. How much longer can we continue down this road of failure. We need new ideas,  new strategies and new players. We need a team that shows great heart and determination, things that are all missing at the moment.  I cant say if things will change soon, but  sincerely hope they do or we will start to lose the wonderful fan base that has been created by Arsenal teams of yore. We still love the Gunners but we also need results and or at least consistency .Just my views and I’m a long time fan, one who cried in 1952 when we lost the FA Cup 1-0 to Newcastle United as George Robledo hit the ball in off the post. Come on Arsenal make us proud to be fans again but don’t take too long!!!!!

God Bless and keep reading

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Have You Read a Good Book Lately??

Read a Good Book Lately????
Posted on October 15th 2017
by irishroverpei
Have you read a good book lately, if the answer is no, why not try one of my books or maybe all three? I have received excellent reviews on all of them. I have sold a great deal from PEI to Australia-Ireland and Europe. I will leave you with a review of each to ponder on.
(1) Lily & Me
Review from another reader
Art is the expression of emotion that elicits emotion! You certainly achieved that end. I laughed and I cried. I read an enormous number of books a year. It’s my hobby, my relaxation and I love to learn. You met all of these goals in this book, Thank You. I’m looking forward to the next installment, you have a delightful talent.
Libby Goucher, Nova Scotia.

(2) Royal Navy & Me
Review from the Ganges Gazette
Following on from ‘Lily & Me’ comes another ‘cracker’ from Fred’s pen, but this time covering his time in the Navy. Ganges, surface ships – Far East and Home Fleet. Girls, with Cupid active with his bow. Joining the Submarine Service with a very good description of life aboard diesel electric’T’ and ‘A’ class boats. More girls and arrows everywhere, tricked into marriage, children, divorce and part of the 6th Canadian Submarine Squadron based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Dick Lloyd Editor-Gazette
(3)
Chapter XXl Armageddon
Review by: Syrphian on Jan. 10, 2015 :
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a great story with many twists and turns while giving you something profound to think about. The author has a real talent and I believe a future in fiction. The book starts off interesting right from page one with the big mystery in the sand! The author’s writing style is free-flowing which makes it easy to read. This gives the reader a more pleasurable reading experience while with some author’s styles it is more like a text book experience than a novel. I believe that this book has film potential, too.
Somehow he combined a whiskey bottle, time travel, Hunter River Prince Edward Island, a Naval submarine, Jesus, complex machinery, a spy, a world terrorist crisis, the Vatican, Islam, Adam & Eve and a great mystery story all in one book! You have to read it to see what I mean – you will not be disappointed as it is well worth it.
So, in summary, a ‘good read’ as they say… I enjoyed it from page one until the final page. I must admit that the ending was a surprise as I figured that it would conclude the way I thought it should. I am sure that is what the author wanted me to believe. The actual ending was rather different, and a complete and thought-provoking surprise. A very clever ending indeed!
I would recommend this book to anyone who desires a good story, well-written, exciting and a pleasure to read. You will not be disappointed and you will be wanting more from this author when you finish this book!

So folks there you go three good books, ideal Christmas or Birthday gifts. Contact me or order thru amazon and ebooks at smashwords.com
God Best and keep reading
Posted in author of lily & Me, Chapter XXI Armageddon, family, The Royal Navy & Me, veterans | Leave a comment | Edit

God bless and keep reading

Make American Great Again.???

I don’t think I need to say much about Trump, we already know more than enough! However, I do want to talk about the US auto industry and how Trump wants 80% of their autos/parts made in America. Growing up in the UK, I always favoured British cars, but poor workmanship and strike after strike, and alas they are no more. When I arrived in Canada 1964 I was fascinated with the US cars, the big engines, fins, streamlining etc. There were almost no imports in those days, Beetles and maybe a few British and European. Today, that fascination with US cars is long gone. I drive a Toyota Corolla 2016, and have owned four earlier models. Its a beautiful vehicle well made and very reliable. Older Japanese vehicles, 10 year plus still work well and look rust free for the most part. Not the big three domestics, rusty after a few years, of little replacement value and unreliable. Why is that? why can’t the big three build a quality product? I wonder if its got something to do with the US auto workers, I again remember strike after strike through the 1970-80’s asking for more money, better and more benefits, health care and so on. Is it possible they drove the manufactures overseas?  The only vehicle the big three seem to have much luck selling these days are the gas guzzling trucks. Really, no major competition in that field, the Japanese/Koreans/Germans don’t show much interest in the truck business. Yet their cars are everywhere.   Prices play a big part in the selling of vehicles and if Trump gets his way the Big Three will have to increase prices upward. Doesn’t make a lot of sense when the US auto industry is already struggling to stay afloat. Chrysler is very near bankruptcy if what I read is correct. Consumers must be allowed to buy the best product at the best price, so demanding a made in America policy isn’t going to work in my opinion. The world is a global village and we shop for the best products available, regardless of who manufactures them. Made in America was once a world standard and probably still is in some fields but the auto industry isn’t one of those. Finally instead of forcing the Big Three to only make cars in America, perhaps we could send  Donald Trump abroad, maybe he could be a rocker scientist in North Korea, or a poppy grower in Iran, for minimum wage of course??

God Bless and keep reading

The Problem with writing a Daily Blog

In order to write daily blogs it is important having something interesting or demanding to write about. Today I don’t think I have either reason to do so. We go through life wondering what the future may hold in store, we hope for good things to occur. Maybe winning a cash award, some exciting news, or being recognized for some past deed. Rarely are our thoughts ominous and dark, we are positive creatures for the most part. Yesterday I was hit with one of those unexpected and unpleasant announcements that we tend to push to the back of our mind as never going to happen. However, when it does he hits a person very hard and it takes time to recover and reconcile. Haven’t quite managed that yet but I’m working on it. Hence this rather gloomy blog today, hopefully things will get better, Arsenal play tomorrow, if they win that will be a useful boost of my morale.  I will work hard to regain my sense of humour before I blog again. We Irish are hard to put down!

You may be wondering what the photo has to do with my gloomy blog? Well, the lady in the photo is my very good friend Valentina, her fame and photographs are all over both island newspaper, on the TV and radio.  I just thought I’d steal a wee bit of her fame by letting everyone know I know her and that she is a close friend. There already have a wee bit of humour back!!!

God Bless and keep reading

Confederation Court Mall.

The Confederation Court Mall, if you believe the nightly advertisements on CBC you might think this is a wonderful place to shop? I do not live close, so only visit on rare occasions, last week was one of those rare occasions. It came as quite a shock.  The mall is a ghost town, more stores closed than open. The food court has one operating unit, a sort of soup and sandwich shop. It was empty when we visited, we ordered two coffees and two muffins (so so muffins) it cost us almost $9 dollars! The basement was empty, just one lonely and sparse shop selling some sort of Knick knacks. One could count the number of shoppers on one hand and still have a finger or two to spare. My experience hardly fitted the grand advertisement of happy young couples shopping for gifts, buying watches and engagement rings, massages, manicures and hair styling, or meeting friends along the way?. I dare say the operators are trying hard but the proof is in the pudding, this is a ghost town mall!!!!

God Bless and keep reading

Heat Pumps vs Oil

Several years ago I became interested in the Green Party, both Federal and Provincial, but the chances of them ever taking power seemed remote. That was back in the 1980’s 90’s. Remember, we had a number of fuel shortages and the prices soared. People were concerned and the race for small fuel efficient vehicles was on. The big three produced some half hearted attempts such as Vega, Pinto and Omni. They didn’t last and soon we were back to big gas guzzling trucks and V8 cars again. However, today the story is different, indeed the situation is different, gas prices are at an all time high, prices we once could not have imagined. I think we can take hope from this, oil seems to be slipping, the cancellation of the Pipe Line East is a good example. Just drive around the island today and try to count the number of heat pumps at private homes and large apartment buildings! . We have several Green politicians elected across the country including here on PEI. Climate change has become a reality (maybe not to Trump) and people are concerned. Finally, auto manufacturers are taking seriously the necessary change to electric and clean energy vehicles. China is leading the way and everyone else has to catch up. There is at last some hope for the future of our world and the human race.

God Bless and keep reading

The Battle of Trafalgar. 2017 style

As he lay dying Nelson said to Hardy ” Kismet” meaning fate, but sailors often say it as  “Kiss me Hardy!!”

Imagine if Nelson had to fight the Battle of Trafalgar today.

Nelson and Hardy’s final conversation circa 2017
Nelson: “Order the signal, Hardy.”
Hardy: “Aye, aye sir.”
Nelson: “Hold on, this isn’t what I dictated to Flags. What’s the meaning of this?”
Hardy: “Sorry sir?”
Nelson (reading aloud): “England expects every person to do his or her duty, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious persuasion or disability.’ – What gobbledygook is this for God’s sake?”
Hardy: “Admiralty policy, I’m afraid, sir. We’re an equal opportunities employer now. We had the devil’s own job getting “England ” past the censors, lest it be considered racist.”
Nelson: “Gadzooks, Hardy. Hand me my pipe and tobacco.”
Hardy: “Sorry sir. All naval vessels have now been designated smoke-free working environments.”
Nelson: “In that case, break open the rum ration. Let us splice the main brace to steel the men before battle.”
Hardy: “The rum ration has been abolished, Admiral. Its part of the Government’s policy on binge drinking.”
Nelson: “Good heavens, Hardy. I suppose we’d better get on with it full speed ahead.”
Hardy: “I think you’ll find that there’s a 4 knot speed limit in this stretch of water.”
Nelson: “Damn it man! We are on the eve of the greatest sea battle in history. We must advance with all dispatch. Report from the crow’s nest, please.”
Hardy: “That won’t be possible, sir.”
Nelson: “What?”
Hardy: “Health and Safety have closed the crow’s nest, sir. No harness; and they said that rope ladders don’t meet regulations. They won’t let anyone up there until proper scaffolding can be erected.”
Nelson: “Then get me the ship’s carpenter without delay, Hardy.
Hardy: “He’s busy knocking up a wheelchair access to the foredeck Admiral.”
Nelson: “Wheelchair access? I’ve never heard anything so absurd.”
Hardy: “Health and safety again, sir. We have to provide a barrier- free environment for the differently abled.”
Nelson: “Differently abled? I’ve only one arm and one eye and I refuse even to hear mention of the word. I didn’t rise to the rank of admiral by playing the disability card.”
Hardy: “Actually, sir, you did. The Royal Navy is under-represented in the areas of visual impairment and limb deficiency.”
Nelson: “Whatever next? Give me full sail. The salt spray beckons.”
Hardy: “A couple of problems there too, sir. Health and safety won’t let the crew up the
rigging without hard hats. And they don’t want anyone breathing in too much salt – haven’t you seen the adverts?”
Nelson: “I’ve never heard such infamy. Break out the cannon and tell the men to stand by to
engage the enemy.”
Hardy: “The men are a bit worried about shooting at anyone, Admiral.”
Nelson: “What? This is mutiny!”
Hardy: “It’s not that, sir. It’s just that they’re afraid of being charged with murder if they actually kill anyone. There are a couple of legal-aid lawyers on board, watching everyone like hawks.”
Nelson: “Then how are we to sink the Frenchies and the Spanish?”
Hardy: “Actually, sir, we’re not.”
Nelson: “We’re not?”
Hardy: “No, sir. The French and the Spanish are our European partners now. According to the Common Fisheries Policy, we shouldn’t even be in this stretch of water. We could get hit with a claim for compensation.”
Nelson: “But you must hate a Frenchman as you hate the devil.”
Hardy: “I wouldn’t let the ship’s diversity coordinator hear you saying that sir. You’ll be up on disciplinary report.”
Nelson: “You must consider every man an enemy who speaks ill of your King.”
Hardy: “Not any more, sir. We must be inclusive in this multicultural age. Now put on your Kevlar vest; it’s the rules. It could save your life”
Nelson: “Don’t tell me – Health and Safety. Whatever happened to rum, sodomy and the lash?”
Hardy: As I explained, sir, rum is off the menu! and there’s a ban on corporal punishment.”
Nelson: “What about sodomy?”
Hardy: “I believe that is now legal, sir.”
Nelson: “Well in that case………………. Kiss me, Hardy.”

God Bless and keep reading

 

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Read a Good Book Lately????

Have you read a good book lately, if the answer is no, why not try one of my books or maybe all three? I have received excellent reviews on all of them. I have sold a great deal from PEI to Australia-Ireland and Europe. I will leave you with a review of each to ponder on.

(1) Lily & Me

Review from another reader
After seeing you at the yard sale I returned to my apartment and spent the rest of the day, the evening, the night and the early morning with you and Lily. Your story was interesting and I like your style. Sometimes as I read in the night I would forget the fact that this was a true story and find myself wondering when little Frederick, Eric, Ben Cook Rodgers would morph into a MI5 spy or a serial killer. Instead I remember the dapper Irishman from my yard sale wandering. Lily And Me is a testament to the resilience of the spirit of the child. I don’t think all children are blessed with your resilience but you were and we your readers are thankful. Ivan Gallant; e-mail

(2) Royal Navy & Me

Review from Craig Churchill NFLD
Well, you’ve done it again! I thoroughly enjoyed “The Royal Navy and
Me”, and have come to a couple of conclusions about you. You sir, are an
incurable romantic and also what my friends and I would term “a shit
magnet”. (At least at times)
Having done 5 years military time myself, I could certainly relate
to the basic training tales, the precious time on leave and the
carousing crammed in whenever able. I can also appreciate the amount of
dignity required to keep from “going native” completely and retaining
one’s drawers!
I have just finished a midnight shift at work and am now enjoying a
tot in honour of your literary achievements and your Birthday. Many
happy returns.
Craig

(3)

Chapter XXl Armageddon

Review by: Syrphian on Jan. 10, 2015 :
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a great story with many twists and turns while giving you something profound to think about. The author has a real talent and I believe a future in fiction. The book starts off interesting right from page one with the big mystery in the sand! The author’s writing style is free-flowing which makes it easy to read. This gives the reader a more pleasurable reading experience while with some author’s styles it is more like a text book experience than a novel. I believe that this book has film potential, too.

Somehow he combined a whiskey bottle, time travel, Hunter River Prince Edward Island, a Naval submarine, Jesus, complex machinery, a spy, a world terrorist crisis, the Vatican, Islam, Adam & Eve and a great mystery story all in one book! You have to read it to see what I mean – you will not be disappointed as it is well worth it.

So, in summary, a ‘good read’ as they say… I enjoyed it from page one until the final page. I must admit that the ending was a surprise as I figured that it would conclude the way I thought it should. I am sure that is what the author wanted me to believe. The actual ending was rather different, and a complete and thought-provoking surprise. A very clever ending indeed!

I would recommend this book to anyone who desires a good story, well-written, exciting and a pleasure to read. You will not be disappointed and you will be wanting more from this author when you finish this book!

So folks there you go three good books, ideal Christmas or Birthday gifts. Contact me or order thru amazon and ebooks at smashwords.com

God Best and keep reading

A Little Sunday Humour.

Irish Fire Insurance

A man and his wife moved back home to Cork , from London.

The wife had a wooden leg and to insure it in Britain was £2000.00 a year!

When they arrived in Cork, they went to an Insurance agency to see how much it would cost to insure the wooden leg.

The agent looked it up on the computer and said to the couple, ‘€39.00.’

The husband was shocked and asked why it was so cheap here in Ireland to insure, because it cost him £2000.00 in England!

The agent turned his computer screen to the couple and said, ‘Well, here it is on the screen, it says: *Any wooden structure, with a sprinkler system over it, is €39.00.*’

 

I always did find the  Irish Logic far superior to most others.

Awarding Medals Today?????

The Prince Edward, 53, who briefly joined the Royal Marines (four months) after Cambridge University, was joined by his wife Sophie Countess of Wessex at the Sultan of Brunei’s golden jubilee yesterday.
The all-powerful sultan marked 50 years on the throne in spectacular style by travelling in a gilded chariot through the streets holding a tradition-filled ceremony at his golden-domed palace.
At a ceremony in the Istana Nurul Iman throne room Prince Edward was wearing Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee medal, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal, Canadian Forces Decoration, New Zealand Commemorative medal, medal commemorating the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan of Brunei, medal commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Sultan of Brunei.
He also wore his Royal Victorian Order Star and Order of the Garter Star are given by the Queen.

Not sure How he came by the Canadian Forces Decoration?? I had to serve 12 years to get mine?

Perhaps the medal bedecked civilina leaders of the Royal Canadian Legion could give him a few more of their pretend medals just to fill in the gaps.

Plus a few other suggestions

 

 

 

 

Maybe not, might need to reinforce his jacket! or possibly he could get one of those reinforced North Korean Jackets and Trousers. Seriously this really takes away any value or pride in wearing a medal earned in the service of ones country. It makes a laughing stock out of these once symbols of service and sacrifice.

God Bless and keep reading