Dear O Sung Wu,

The Lithuanian language is often said to be
the most conservative living Indo-European
language retaining many of its archaic
features other wise found only in ancient
languages such as Sanskrit. That's why it is
studied by scholars interested in Indo-European
linguistics.

Hi there FOXY...

Thank you very much indeed for that brief synopsis of the Lithuanian language, I'm still none the wiser I must admit. Geographically, the country is considered one of the former Baltic States under the old USSR regime. Doesn't Latvia abut it's northern borders, with much of it's coastline facing the Baltic Sea ? With common borders with both Belarus and Poland ?

Somehow I have these images etched in my mind, of these dull, featureless, and sad little Nations, all clustered haphazardly along the coast of the Baltic sea. To be among the poorest, the bland, almost slate grey in appearance, of those that are nestled nearby in Northern Europe. All of whom until recently, necessarily yielding to the iron jackboot of Soviet Russia. Thanks again FOXY.

Hi o sung wu,

You maybe thinking of John Rowles. who had a smash hit back in the 70's with 'Cheryl Moana Marie' and a number of others. Funny you should mention Engelbert Humperdinck and possibly John Rowles, we were fortunate to go to both shows this year. The chap "T" sings with scored us all free tickets so can't complain, both being personal friends of his. Engelbert at 80 is still touring with a great performance, John is snow white on top these days, but does an excellent job with a 2 hour show, on his own, and he has a very busy schedule. Talking after the show, John is booked for Las Vegas in 2017. Engelburt is an honorary Maori, with his song 'Ten Guitars' be the Maori party national anthem, when the guitar comes out it gets an airing every time.
"T" has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body. besides singing she play guitar, ukulele and you wouldn't believe it, the alto sax as well, now wants to get a banjo. A pocket dynamo, never stops. At 67 works full time, among other things, runs a Maori culture group (Kapa Haka) for about 30 young people. Has more humanity than anyone I know, her latest 'project' for 2017, I can't believe it, 'Street Busking' (I'm the roadie again) to raise money for street kids. She has all the gear already, so that's no problem, all she needs is her public liability insurance and City Council permit! Should be fum!

Hi there PAUL1405...

Indeed it is John ROWLES. He has a truly magnificent voice with that very suave look to go with it. I've seen him sing in a live performance, and at the risk of being berated by many, he sings traditional Elvis numbers, even better than Elvis can himself, and the ladies absolutely love him !

The more technically difficult his song may be, the least amount of effort he seems to need to sing it. An amazing voice altogether I believe. It's really incredible Paul, how different nationalities seem to have specific musical abilities or skills. As we discussed earlier, Polynesians as an example, seen to have a natural cadence or rhythm, together with some amazing voices. While the Spanish and Italians, have classic operatic voices. The Welsh, Scottish, and Irish have unusually good choral voices and are generally considered to possess fine solo performers, even comedians as well.

While we Aussies, have some truly unique, though hitherto obscure talents. With good pub voices, capable of loud singing, knocking back an ice cold Schooner, and fightin' some boofhead, all at the same time; without once, spilling a single drop of the precious amber liquid ! A magnificent achievement all round, I'm sure you'd agree eh, Paul ?

I do hope your parcels have arrived safely in the flood affected areas of Fiji too Paul ?

Merry Christmas to you and your dear 'T' as well ?