Anonymous Coffee Drinkers

Starbuck's are increasing their policy of asking their customer's names when taking their order. It seems to be causing a degree of consternation among some, who insist they have no desire to be friends with the staff, or that they simply wish to retain their privacy. Personally, I don't have an issue with it. At least when they place a coffee on the side and call 'Kay' there's no confusion among the half-dozen people waiting.

It does offer up a chance for some mischief though. After all, there's no legal obligation to give your real name. I'm going to position myself close to the bar in future to see how many 'Your Majesty's, 'Anon's or 'Lord Lucan's turn up for their cappuccino.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17356957

Natural Britain

I was looking for a funny news story to cheer me up this morning - I'm feeling a little grumpy - but it was a gallery on the Telegraph's website that caught my eye. The first picture alone is enough to soothe the most petulant of moods. There's probably nothing better than natural Britain in all its glory to make a person feel better:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthpicturegalleries/9138786/2020VISION-Britains-most-ambitious-nature-photography-project.html?frame=2165693

New Story

A writing challenge prompted me to write a piece inspired by the brilliant 80s sitcom 'Yes Minster', written by Anton Jay and Jonathan Lynn. I won't pretend I'm a match for their satirical skill, but I had a bit of fun writing my piece based, predictably enough, on budgets and overspending. If you fancy a look, here's the link:
http://www.quirkytales.co.uk/stories/yesminister.php
Hope you enjoy it. If you'd like to know more about 'Yes Minister', please take a look at the BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/yesminister/

Survival Tip for the Mean Streets

Being mugged is not funny. It's a serious assault and should always be treated with proper solemnity. However, a mugging story I heard on an LBC news bulletin today had me laughing out loud. I'm sorry. I'm ashamed of myself.
The fact that the victim was a 15 stone man, and the assailant was a fox might have influenced my reaction. It apparently took a shine to the man's shopping and could only be persuaded to cease its attack when the man relinquished his garlic bread. I think that's what makes it so funny, though I'm at a loss to explain why. After all, the thought of a fox with garlic breath is not a pleasing one!
Intrigued, I did a quick search for more information and the Telegraph came through:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9130473/15st-man-mugged-by-fox.html
Remember, it's a jungle out there. Always carry a sacrificial loaf of garlic bread, just in case!

A Surplus of Silk

I'm not fond of spiders, I think I may have mentioned this before on this blog, so you'll perhaps understand why a story in the news today gave me the shivers. It's the story of the Australian town of Wagga Wagga,  evacuated during the recent floods. Residents returned to the town once the danger had passed to find the whole place covered in silk woven by millions of spiders escaping the rising waters. At first glance, the photographs appear to be snow scenes, but it's basically a giant spider web!
http://www.news.com.au/national/spiders-spin-wet-blanket-over-wagga-wagga/story-e6frfkvr-1226291542235
I fear it could be a strange dream night tonight.

Fantasy Philanthropy

I often dream about what I would do if my numbers came up on the lottery. Naturally, I'd pay off the mortgage, buy a new car, replace the aged and overworked clothes in my wardrobe, etc. etc. A large part of the fantasy involves sharing my newfound wealth with my family, thereby dispatching all our money worries in one fell swoop.
And then I imagine all the other people who could be helped by a donation (anonymous of course, I'm modest that way!). All those people needing medical treatment, or who had Christmas ruined by a burglary, or the play group closing due to a drying up of funds - oh, the people I would help if only I won the lottery!
But then this morning, whilst still awaiting my big win, I read about someone who's already doing it. In the town of Braunschweig, a mysterious stranger is sneaking around leaving envelopes stuffed with money on the doorsteps of deserving people.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9115768/German-town-hunts-mysterious-philanthropist.html
It's a great story, I just wish it could have been me! Now, what did I do with that lottery ticket?

Billy of Boldre Wood Edit

I shall allow myself a very small victory punch to the air this afternoon. I've finished the edit of Billy of Boldre Wood - hoorah! I'm not there yet, but hopefully I shall soon be ready to make it available on Kindle. Here's the artwork for the forthcoming eBook:

Watch this space! Release date to be announced soon.