Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson, the 14th Baron Berners, was a gifted composer , novelist, painter and devisor of practical jokes.. When he was a young boy, he learned that birds learn to fly when they are pushed from the nest. So he attempted to “teach” his mother’s dog to fly. …
When the late, great racing commentator, Sir Peter O`Sullivan passed away in July last year, there were many column inches devoted to what his most memorable commentaries were. Shergar destroying the opposition when winning his Derby, Grundy beating Bustino in the race of the century or his unforgettable description …
Winston Churchill once famously said “All the essentials of life are a mere four: hot baths, cold champagne, old brandy, and new peas”. Peas first appeared on earth, according to Norse legend, as a sign of displeasure from the god Thor. He was angry at the lack of …
“Then never mind the gestures,” Mason told him. “We want two thick steaks medium rare, lots of lyonnaise potatoes, some buttered bread, with -” He glanced expectantly at Della Street. Della nodded. “Garlic,” Mason said. –A Perry Mason Mystery; The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink, Erle Stanley Gardner Erle …
Chess, a haven of peacefulness, a group of men and women with solemn expressions bidding to outsmart each other by being extraordinarily clever in moving their pieces around a small board. To the victor, a small trophy and the warm glow of being a smart arse? Certainly not, chess …
Robert Baden Powell (1857-1941) Before he became a household name as the heroic defender of Mafeking and founder of the Boy Scout movement. His main claim to fame was his definitive book on pig sticking and his penchant for skin tight riding breeches covered in pearl buttons. He also …
Racing has always attracted trickery, schemes and coups. But what follows is without doubt is the most delicious con of all time. The greatest sting in the history of horse racing took place on August 1, 1898. It was without doubt the most audacious scheme ever thought up. A …
All through the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church through its priests and bishops consistently preached that there was only one form of marital sex: husband above and wife below; and it was only for procreation. But what about the armadillo`s I hear you ask? Read on and all will …
I am currently researching various vegetables for a proposed new book.This week I have been looking at the seemingly, terminally dull cabbage. But all is not as it seems, as somewhat surprisingly the cabbage appears in the writing of two of the most influential and eminent writers of the 16th …
