Category: Columns

How do you define who someone is, and what they mean to you? Well, you work out what kind of cheese they are, of course.  I used to turn my nose up at mild cheddar. It’s not refined enough. Too safe. Uncontroversial. Basically just a bit boring. But I’ll happily eat it, and it’s the […]

Need. It’s a funny old thing, isn’t it?  I was mulling this over while waiting for the Number 4 the other day, when I realised I urgently needed either an umbrella or a cagoule, followed by a cup of tea in front of a log fire. In June. So much for global warming. There are […]

At the ripe old age of 37 and a half, I have finally achieved something I never have before. No, I still can’t drive (legally), and no, I’m still not allowed within 50 feet of Sophie Ellis-Bextor (legally). I’m talking about my living arrangements. You see, I now live alone. It’s very exciting. From birth […]

Happy Anniversary to Us! That’s right, my lovely adoring Your Local Link fan base – it’s our anniversary! One year of me taking the piss out of you and your silly Yorkshire ways. But the truth is (and if you weren’t already clued up then you’re not really paying attention), I love this place. I […]

Okay peeps, brace yourselves. This is gonna be a pretty heavy edition of Tech Talks. Ever heard of a monster movie called Cloverfield? The 2008 JJ Abrams film told from a behind-the-camera perspective of one of the characters? Other than its infamous ‘Blair Witch’ style, it had arguably the most impressive and successful marketing strategy […]

Remember the VHS? Bonus points for knowing what it stands for. Any guesses? Video Home System. You’re welcome. Most of you will remember the VHS with fond memories. Apart from the fact you had to sit and let it rewind for a good 10 minutes before you could press play if the person before you […]

For the past few months I have been sad. Clinically sad would be one way of putting it. Totally depressed is another. My life has been somewhat chaotic recently, from the breakdown of my marriage, to weird job stuff, and finding out that my deceased father might still be alive were it not for the […]

Just when I am wondering whether there will ever be any news other than Brexit, salvation has arrived in the form of “society interior designer” (whatever one of those is), Nicky Haslam. Writing in the Daily Torygraph, he recently asked: “How common are you?” Not very, would be my general answer. I frequent Boyes (the […]

Everyone gets mad about bins. There are few things I’ve been certain of in life, but one of those Very Few Things is that at some point in your life, my life, everyone’s lives, we have all been pissed off about our bins. Few topics make the blood boil like refuse collection. Green bins, recycling […]

Contrary to popular opinion, the reclining figure that sits outside of York Minster’s South Transept is NOT a statue of The Jolly Green Giant. It is in fact that of a very casual representation of former Roman Emperor and (kinda) local lad, Constantine the Great. But what was he doing here in York, and what […]

What do the stars have in store for you this month? Family reunions look likely during the first week and this may well be a time when you can be of great service to close friends and other people within the family. You have specialised knowledge which can be put to good use. There will […]

Hey grocer that rhymes with Mains… berry (I tried). I’m not buying mushrooms from you anymore. Nor scallions, cucumbers, apples, tomatoes, or red onions. You recently discontinued loose mushrooms. Now, my only choice is mushrooms in plastic punnets wrapped in more plastic. Oh yes, people of York, this is going to be one of those […]

Okay, let’s get this bit out of the way. I’m a huge fan of mobile phones. As a true nerd I love all technology – but I’ll always have a soft spot for mobile phones. To the point where I spent five years of my life working full time in the industry. In 2015, and […]

What do the stars have in store for you this month? Totally unexpected surprises on or around your birthday put a smile on your face which leaves you in a good mood for most of the month. Last minute journeys lead to important family reunions, and there should be some satisfyingly good news on the work front.  Romance and relationships go through a very harmonious […]

It’s time for a confession. I’m a bit of a nerd. That’s a contentious word, I know. Its definition is somewhat deprecating, although I would argue that it, like many derogatory words, has been reclaimed by the people to which it was once applied in disdain, and is now worn as a badge of honour. […]