Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Being ‘on my tod’ over the weekend has allowed me a period of reflection on matters existential. Some quiet time to recharge my batteries and learn the words to Sinatra’s ballad Strangers in the Night. As a result, I’ve now got fully charged batteries for my remote controls, torches and my rotating bow tie. Additionally,... Continue Reading →
I encountered a new experience in movie watching on Saturday afternoon, when my wife and I ventured to the Everyman cinema in Leeds city centre, where we took in the movie La La Land. The novel occurrence to which I refer wasn’t taking my wife out (although it is fairly rare), or the fact I didn’t... Continue Reading →
I read this morning that 121 years ago today Englishman Walter Arnold became the first person to be convicted of speeding. In an act of wanton recklessness, Arnold was caught driving at the ungodly speed of 8 mph, which exceeded the speed limit at the time by 2 mph..... I’m assuming it was driving anyway,... Continue Reading →
A year or so back I started a Twitter account called @MovieLazy, as an addition to my existing personal Twitter account @gjstrac63. It was inspired by a member of my family who, when I asked what six times Oscar winning 1942 movie 'Mrs Miniver' was about, answered "It's about a woman called Mrs Miniver." I... Continue Reading →
It’s actor Sir Tom Courtney’s 78th birthday today. Born in Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire, the knight of the realm’s critically acclaimed first appearance on that day won him the following rave reviews:-. “A superb entrance! ****” – Reighton Gap Courier. “A rousing first appearance. His strong projection bodes well for his future... Continue Reading →
“Right, then, it's Manchester United versus Spurs in this cup tie here at Old Trafford. And it's the fair-haired, slightly balding Charlton to kick off.” Words of commentary delivered with gusto by sports teacher Mr Sugden (played by the late Brian Glover) in a scene from 1970 British movie Kes. His descriptive words not only... Continue Reading →
I’m endeavouring to catch the recently released movie The Lady In The Van at some point this week. Based on a memoir of Leeds born writer/performer Alan Bennett, it tells the story of a transient woman who lives in her van on the writers drive in London for 15 years. I was told by an... Continue Reading →