Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
The 2nd February is Groundhog Day. An occasion citizen's of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, observe the behaviour of local groundhogs as they emerge from their burrows. In particular their reactions to that day's meteorological conditions. Folklore decreeing:- If it’s cloudy on first leaving their burrows spring will arrive before the vernal equinox. If it’s sunny then the... Continue Reading →
For the last few hours I've been watching Fiddler on the Roof. To clarify, that's the 1971 movie adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical, not that I've just witnessed Rolf Harris making a rooftop prison protest. An epic movie of just over three hours duration, the production was the winner of three Academy Awards (Best... Continue Reading →
In my attempts to dodge situations adding strain on my still recovering cardio system I'm currently striving to avoid TV news bulletins. An approach purposely taken to evade the journalistic millstones capable of dragging even the most positive individuals (of which I'm not one) into a pit of despair. Stories that transport you from the... Continue Reading →
Friday evening saw Mrs S and yours truly sitting in Block 104 of the first direct Arena, Leeds. Our venture's motive to witness one Richard Paul Astley from the manor of Newton-le-Willows entertain us and 13,000 others with a night of pop and contemporary refrains. As I've written previously, my wife Karen has an endearing... Continue Reading →
In the company of a pal of mine, yesterday evening I went to see a gig at the Brudenell club, Leeds. This an odyssey to see a band called The Quireboys - A synergy of musicians with roots in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Scotland and a Llandudno B&B (allegedly). I'll be honest and admit it's a band I'm... Continue Reading →
Along with millions worldwide, my wife and I have just observed a two minute silence, marking one hundred years since guns fell silent in WWI. The centenary of an armistice between the Allied countries and Germany - Ending a four year war which saw around 40 million military and civilian casualties. I wasn't sure which... Continue Reading →
It takes guts to reprise a role on stage performed with such distinction in the original movie it secured the portraying actor (Dustin Hoffman) an Oscar - An accomplishment he achieved in the 61st Academy Award ceremony (1989). A lead actor performance that possibly usurps those of the other 89 winners of the accolade, prior... Continue Reading →
I had a rare venture to church yesterday afternoon. A service to celebrate those who've passed and whose funerals had taken place at the venue during the previous twelve months. Amongst those being celebrated my father Malcolm. Amid the throng of similarly bereaved families, my mother, me and several family friends lit a candle for... Continue Reading →
In the movie Calamity Jane, on her return from Chicagy on the Deadwood Stage, it's star Doris Day sang:- "Just blew in from the windy city, The windy city is mighty pretty, But it ain't got what we got, no sirree....." Despite going on to extol the big city's tall buildings, minstrel shows, dancing girls,... Continue Reading →