DESMOND KELLY

“AGE IS JUST A NUMBER” – by Des Kelly We have often heard this quote, usually around the birthdays of family or friends, and it is so very true. However, very few persons tend to reach the magic Century that earns them a privjoate letter from our reigning Monarch, Queen Elizabeth ll. Now, here is a Japanese lady who has lived to the grand old age of 119, and has just passed on, after  having notched up this “highest age record”, and Charles Schokman has sent in this amazing story, for which we thank him. Without further ado, here is the story in/full, for all the avid readers of e’Lanka.   Desmond Kelly.) (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. The world’s oldest person, Kane Tanaka, has died in Japan aged 119 The 119-year-old was born on 2 January 1903 and married her husband a century ago. Source:sbs.com.au A Japanese woman certified the world’s oldest ...

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“LOVING HEIDI HAUGE” – by Des Kelly She’s the Scandinavian Queen of Country Music, and at the moment, quite the rage, is Heidi Hauge. A recording “Star”, with dozens of Country Songs to her credit, even though her Scandinavian accent is a bit hard to get used to. I have already featured this good-looking songstress often, but now, another Country Music friend of ours, Charles Schokman has come up with what I am proud to feature on e’ Lanka, Australia’s BEST website for Lankans everywhere, a more recent recording of Heidi, for your enjoyment. Charles’ post to me is fully appreciated. Heidi’s appreciation of the way she is loved each night, is seconded by both Charles Schokman & your’s truly. It would not be difficult to love Heidi Hague each night either, after hearing her sing all these wonderful songs. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’ Lanka. “The Way You Love Me ...

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“CHAIR EXTRAORDINAIRE” – by Des Kelly Nearly every good home in Ceylon had one. This chair did take a fairly large part of the normal verandah’s (or front porches) of the usually medium sized homes that were common over there, but of course, there were “Wallowvas” (spelt as pronounced) & Mansions of the rich & famous that could easily accommodate two, or even three of them. Thank you, Charley Schokman for reminding us about these “Hansi-Putuwas”. True to your name, you give us all a shock sometimes, bringing up these wonderful memories. The “post” is welcome, well-written, and serves it’s purpose, and the picture of the chair looks pretty good, as well. Tell me if I’m wrong, but I think that the premiere furniture makers of bygone Ceylon, Don Carolis & Sons made that one. That said, let’s leave it there, & bring you the story of “The Chair-Extraordinaire. Desmond ...

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“BUCKINGHAM PALACE” – by Des Kelly Thank you, Allan Pinder, for this video of The Most Expensive House, EVER, I think, only  one of the lavish homes of our present Monarch, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the 2nd, a home that I, personally, would have given anything to work in, serving who I would call, the most famous Ruler in our World today. Not only is she the longest-serving Monarch ever, I have no doubt whatsoever, that no Ruler could reach HER age, still sitting proudly on a throne. Anyway, this amazing video in on this magnificent Palace, so let us get to it, right now. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. ...

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“THE KING LIVES” – by Des Kelly Not much introduction is necessary. Charles Schokman has sent us the details of the show, an All Star Tribute, featuring many other “Stars” taking part, for one reason only, to remind us that “THE KING LIVES”. Obviously, Elvis Presley was one of the very few Entertainers to have graced our Planet, only to be taken away far too soon, but his millions of fans will never ever forget him. I was privileged, even to be on the same Radio Ceylon Hit Parade with him, during the time that “Don’t be Cruel” was yet another “Hit” for the King, and I will never forget that particular era either. Personally, I now have four adult children who were, and always wil be dedicated to Elvis Presley, and who can blame them ? Thank you, Charles Schokman for sending out this great post, and good luck ...

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A Kelly Klassic – by Des Kelly – Sammy Kershaw – Third Rate Romance Sammy Kershaw, one of my favourite Country Stars from a while back, singing a story about life. Typical Country song, telling us what actually happens all over the World today. To prove that, to Country Songwriters, nothing is sacred. Please listen folks, and get educated. Great song. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. ...

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“A PERFECT PALINDROME” – by Des Kelly AGNETHA, BJORN, BENNY & ANNI, THE ACRONYM THAT FORMS THE PERFECT PALINDROME, MENTIONED ABOVE. ABBA was a Swedish group of many years ago that proved beyond doubt, that screaming songs out of a salivary mouth was totally unnecessary to ENTERTAIN (??) people. This is the reason that this group is still so popular around the World. They are all retired now of course, but still have had many ABBA style groups try their best to emulate their heroes on-stage. Many of these groups did their best, and some have been very good, but none have been able to out-class the PREFECTS OF A PERFECT PALINDROME, ABBA. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. All four ABBA members publicly reunite for first time in 40 years at Voyage launch – By Tom Eames Source:smoothradio.com It was an incredible moment for ABBA fans, as the foursome finally reunited ...

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FOR OLD TIME’S SAKE” – by Des Kelly Think I’ve worked his name out to be Ivor de Novello (hopefully) aa the Author of this fascinating throwback that we frequently refer to, as the good old days. As usual, thank you also, Keith Bennett, for sending this story in for e’Lanka members in general. Certainly, they will enjoy reading about the past, when Sri Lanka was still Ceylon, and,as a matter of fact, many other Countries were also known by different names to the ones they are now. Enough said, so here it is folks. Please read & reminisce. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. That is so true and we sure have seen a lot in our life time… recycled but some great memories  Always nice to reflect    THIS is FASCINATING! – The 1% Age Group This special group was born between 1930 & 1947. In 2022, the age range ...

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A “KELLY-KLASSIC” – by Des Kelly – “Merle Haggard – I Forget You Everyday”   He died on his 79th birthday, always has been, in my opinion, on the “top” rung of the Country Music ladder, Astronauts heading for the moon chose his music to accompany them on their long trip, and today, some Merle Haggard songs & “the man in the moon” are in close proximity of one another. Listen to this song, people. Every word, as clear as crystal, lyrics & music written by Merle, who is also a superb guitarist and “Country Fiddler”. He will never be forgotten. ...

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ENGLISH-PERSONIFIED – by Des Kelly This extremely interesting article was sent to me, by my good friend Dayal Cooray, whose dad Denis P. Cooray was my immediate boss when I joined the Royal Ceylon Navy in 1953 as a Supply Assistant. Because both Dayal & myself do love correct English both spoken & written, I could plainly see that, after WW2, Winston Churchill, who was always a busy man, made good use of his “writing-talents” in order to keep his faculties in top-shape, so, as a result, he penned fascinating articles such as this, in addition to writing “books of knowledge”, as I call them. As a matter of fact, I am the proud owner of 3 TOMES of Churchillian education of the English Language, and with due thanks to Dayal, I would like every one of e’Lanka’s members to read & study what “English Personified” is all about. Desmond ...

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