Posh Coats & Sarnies

Recently, I visited York to see my son Jonny on his off day. It’s always a fillip to catch up with the lad who calls me dad. He calls me some less flattering things as well, but it’s best they remain within the family. We took in lunch in one of York’s many fine eateries….

Braise Yourself

This morning my wee wife and I went for a stroll at Roundhay Park. The chilling wind was so bracing that my little spouses jaw froze, meaning she became temporarily unable to say the word bracing. As a result, for a short time this morning, Karen described the strong breeze that was battering that scenic…

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

In 1982 the British punk rock band The Clash released a single that included the lyrics:- Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble And if I stay it will be double So you gotta let me know Should I cool it or should I blow? Should I…

Judging A Book By Its Cover!

During a recent sampling of Facebook’s fare, I was struck by the bizarre nature of some of the apps or themed postings that had rendered on my timeline. For example, I saw a posting which asked the reader to add in ‘comments’ the main characters name in the last TV show they’d watched. According to…

The Paradox of Trigger’s Broom

It was one of the funniest scenes in arguably the best loved British comedy in the last three decades. A lovable imbecile sat in a café with his mates, basking in the glory of his recent award for saving his employers (the local council) money by using the same broom for 20 years. On cross…

Are You Sure That’s A Shark?

In an attempt to broaden my horizons, I bought a high brow publication this morning which I used to read regularly back in the day. Among the articles within its enlightening pages, which for decades quenched my thirst for knowledge and self growth, I was curious to read the following:- “Some free radicals arise normally…

Anecdotes During The Anthems

  It was a warm Bedfordshire night on 4th July 1990. My first born child had just turned a month old and was being fed upstairs by my diminutive Mrs. I wasn’t convinced pizza was suitable for a one month old, but he’s got to the age of 25, so I’ll begrudgingly give kudos to…

Feasting On Laughs At The Groening Board

“Marge, don’t discourage the boy. Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals…… Except the weasels.” The sage like words of Homer J Simpson, penned by Matt Groening and his team of writers for an episode of the inimitable comedy The Simpsons. Why have I just quoted one…

Are Those Real Arrows She’s Using?!

This morning, as I entered the living room in Chez Strachan, I was greeted by an unexpected audible ping. I foolishly romanticised that the noise was that of Cupid’s bow string, as it forcefully triggering an arrow in my direction; a gesture of amour from a love struck valentine. However, this notion was soon dispelled…