A weird thought occurred to me the other night as I got into bed wearing my Teletubby PJs, which were a present from an ex-girlfriend who thought they were cute . . . but, after seeing me in them, decided that I wasn’t.
While I was lying there, I suddenly thought to myself, “This going to bed every night business is absolutely nuts!”
There’s a joke about a fellah who goes to the doctor and says, “You have to help me, doc, I’m an insomniac!”. To which the doctor replies, “Well, don’t lose any sleep over it!”
But insomnia is no joke.
Many people find it difficult to get off to sleep and that night I stayed awake for hours, pondering over this instinct all humans have for getting into bed at the end of the day and leaving the world behind to fend for itself for several hours.
Mentioning this, I feel like some sort of social pioneer, because I don’t think anybody else has ever questioned our nightly ritual of slipping under the duvet, switching off the light and hoping we’ll fall asleep.
Well, not until the night the thought buzzed around inside my head that eight hours out of our 24 are, to all intents and purposes, wasted!
Just think how much more productive we’d be if sleep hadn’t been ‘invented’.  What would we all do with those extra eight hours?
With 56 hours a week at your disposal, perhaps you’d finally get around to writing that book you wanted to . . . “If you only had the time”.
You might even create that best-seller you’ve always dreamed of.
Except of course, without sleep, dreams wouldn’t exist.
So we’d have lost out on some great songs like “In Dreams” (Roy Orbison); “Dream” (Everly Brothers); “Dreams”(Fleetwood Mac and The Corrs”); “Dream Lover” (Bobby Darin) and “Any Dream Will Do”.
Err . . . I don’t think we’d have lost out on that one, necessarily.
If we didn’t sleep, we wouldn’t need beds, bedrooms or bedside tables and lamps.  We wouldn’t need pillows, duvets, sheets, nightgowns or pyjamas.
Which reminds me. Anyone want to buy a pair of Teletubby PJs?

How we see ourselves and how others perceive us can be poles apart.
This is something that I have had challenges with over the years and I’m sure many of you can also relate to.
This isn’t new, I’m sure, as many conversations have, over time, highlighted the fact that communication often breaks down when we fail to see or consider everyone’s point of view.
Society has conditioned us to have an opinion, to often become outspoken and to challenge authority.
This approach can lack empathy, compassion and good old fashion manners, which is something often witnessed in public, in our towns and cities.
We now see such shenanigans on our roads and motorways – it’s known as ‘Road Rage’.
Sound familiar?
One of my loyal social media followers from a far away land wrote to me last year – “I often read your columns. I think what you write about is valid everywhere. You see life with open eyes = inspiration.”
Seeing myself as ‘inspiring’ was not how I perceived myself in this weekly column, as my aim has always been to add colour, bring a smile and the odd chuckle to the loyal readers and followers.
Therefore, it just goes to show that my view may be perceived differently by others. Lesson learned.

I’ve been sharing my ramblings with you for many years. I think, when I wrote my first one, ‘climate change’ referred to turning the central heating up or down.
From the letter that poured in (Thank you, Mrs. Betty Evans, of Fishguard Harbour), you apparently  enjoy reading my tales of theatrical disasters.
By which I don’t mean shows that were so bad that they closed after the first night or soon after, which is always terrible for the actors and crew who lose out on their wages . . . and disappointed audiences who have to seek refunds.
I’m referring to things that go wrong on stage during a show which send the actors into panic mode and the audience into hysterics.
Forgive me if I’ve told you this one, but it’s worth repeating.
The 1972 opening night of an ambitious stage musical based on the film “Gone With The Wind” – at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane – has gone down in theatrical lore.
Bonnie Langford, then barely nine years old, appeared in it and at one point she entered on a horse-drawn buggy. Unfortunately, something startled the horse and a large pile of manure suddenly appeared on stage.
When ‘The Master’ of wit, Noel Coward, was asked his thoughts on this first performance, he declared “Its two main problems could have been solved easily, by placing the annoying child up the rear end of the horse!”
Brian Cox, the distinguished film, TV and theatre actor, started out as an assistant stage manager, which mainly involved him sitting at the side of the stage in the ‘prompt corner’, with the script.
He supplied sound effects and if an actor ‘dried’ they’d shout “Line!” and Brian would provide it.
Brian admits he wasn’t very good at this, because, listening to the same lines every night, his mind often wandered.
During one of these moments, an actor in the play suddenly appeared in the wings and whispered “Telephone!”
Brian said “For me?” and the actor said “No! This is the scene where you make the telephone ring on stage!”
Break a leg, dah-lings!

Rude people? Oh, they’re like those pesky mosquitoes buzzing around on a hot summer day, just waiting to ruin your mood.
They have this incredible talent for turning a perfectly good day into a chaotic circus.
But hey, let’s not get too worked up about it. Instead, let’s take a moment to appreciate the importance of being kind and considerate.
You see, being kind is like sprinkling a little bit of magic everywhere you go. It’s like wearing a superhero cape that instantly makes people smile and feel good. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to be a superhero?
Plus, being considerate is like having a secret power of making the world a better place, one small gesture at a time.
Imagine a world where everyone is kind and considerate. It would be like living in a giant bubble of positivity and good vibes.
People would hold the door open for each other, say “please” and “thank you” like it’s their favourite song, and genuinely care about each other’s well-being.
It would be a world full of laughter, love, and countless awkward but heart-warming moments.
So, the next time you encounter a rude person, remember that their rudeness is no match for your kindness.
Spread that kindness like confetti, and watch as the world becomes a better, brighter, and funnier place.
After all, life is too short to let rude people rain on your parade. Let’s choose kindness and create a world that’s worth celebrating!

I knew last week was going to be a weird one when I drew back my bedroom curtains Monday morning, looked out the window and saw a postman walking past.
Not past my bedroom window.
That would have been so weird I’d be writing about it in a scientific journal, rather than here.
He was walking along the pavement and due to irresponsible dog owners, he couldn’t walk in a straight line.
He had to side-step every few yards, because . . . well, I needn’t paint you a picture.
Although I could knock you up a nice water colour of a fruit bowl, for 50 quid. Just 60 quid if you’d like some fruit in the bowl!
It was weird because you’re more likely to see the Pope walking down our street than a postman.
Although, I’ve only seen the Pope around here once.
Well, he looked quite like him, but when he asked for directions to the nearest tobacconists so he could buy some Rizla paper, I started to doubt it.
Even weirder – the postie wore trousers, not the regulation shorts that some archaic clause in their employment contract compel them to don from October to March each year.
The weirdness continued when I popped into a café and was greeted by the sight of three young women sat at a table, all sobbing uncontrollably.
I’m enough of a modern man to know that these days the rules have changed with regard to engaging ladies of the opposite gender we don’t know in conversation.
But they looked so forlorn, I sat down at their table, in the hope I might be able to be of assistance.
I said “You all seem very upset, ladies. Perhaps we could discuss your problems over a cup of tea?”
They all agreed, so I went to the counter to order tea for four and by the time I sat down at the table they’d stopped crying.
After the waiter had brought cups, saucers and a large pot of tea, I said “Right, ladies. Who’s going to be mother?”
. . . And they all started crying again.
As I said…it was weird week.

Springtime is like a breath of fresh air after a long winter hibernation.
It’s the time when nature wakes up from its slumber and sprouts with joy.
And let me tell you, the benefits of springtime are as delightful as finding a hidden chocolate stash in your pantry.
First and foremost, spring brings longer days and shorter nights. It’s like the universe decided to give us more time to enjoy the sunshine and frolic in the meadows.
Plus, we can finally bid farewell to those bulky winter coats and say hello to colourful and fashionable spring outfits. Who needs layers when you can flaunt your fabulousness?
But the real magic of spring lies in the beauty it creates.
The flowers start blooming, painting the world with vibrant hues. It’s like a botanical fashion show, and Mother Nature is the ultimate designer.
And let’s not forget the joy of spotting cute little baby animals. The sight of fluffy chicks and playful bunnies is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts. Yes, I’m a big softie at heart.
Springtime also brings a boost of energy and positivity. The sun’s warm rays awaken our inner happiness, making us feel like we can conquer the world.
It’s the perfect time to start new adventures, pursue dreams, and let go of any winter blues. So, embrace the season of renewal and let your spirit blossom like a spring flower.
In conclusion, springtime is a hilarious and uplifting season that brings laughter, beauty, and a renewed sense of joy.
So, grab your sunglasses, put on your dancing shoes, and let the magic of spring take you on a whimsical journey of fun and laughter.
Cheers to the season of silly walks and sun-kissed smiles!

The ‘Swinging’ 60s began in London – before embracing every area of the UK.
Except Ammanford!
However, in 1966, as a precaution, the council put a man on duty at the edge of town to watch out for any sign that the sexual revolution was on its way from Carnaby Street.
He’s still there.
A friend who grew up in the 1950s, reckons that decade wasn’t the grey, repressed era we’ve been led to believe, and in its own way was also ‘swinging’.
Not only did rock n’ roll arrive, but some less salubrious cinemas showed films like “Naked As Nature Intended”, “The Garden Of Eden”, “Nudes Of The World!” and “Around The World With Nothing On!” Err . . . where do you keep your passport?
They may sound ‘naughty’, but apart from the fact they had no budgets for costumes, the contents of ‘nudist’ or ‘naturist’ films were so innocent that many were granted ‘U’ certificates.
Why?
Because, the films – some of which were made in Britain (Brrrr!) – only ever showed people naked from the waist up.
And, being travelogues filmed in nudist camps or exotic locations, they didn’t feature actors engaged in ‘hanky panky’.
In fact, they didn’t feature very much at all!
Once the initial shock of seeing people playing table tennis ‘Au naturale’ in glorious Technicolour wore off, they were, I’m told, quite boring.
Their ‘plots’ rarely strayed from this formula…
Two attractive girls plan a holiday. One of them suggests a nudist camp. The other one is shocked at the idea. But (wouldn’t you just know it?) she changes her mind and off they go to enjoy lots of jolly fun.
The British Film Censors were so inundated with nudist films they eventually handed over the censorship decision, whether cheerful trampolining nudists would corrupt ratepayers, to local town councillors!
Yes, those well-known film ‘experts’.
Before every nudist film opened in, say, the Brynamman Cinema, councillors attended private screenings and judged whether to give it a ‘U’ certificate or ‘Ban the bum’.
Sometimes, before a unanimous decision could be reached, they had to watch it twice.
We owe these brave men a debt of gratitude.

From shocking headlines to gripping television dramas, society seems to have an insatiable appetite for negativity.
Human curiosity plays a significant role in our attraction to bad news. It is ingrained in our nature to seek out information that may be potentially threatening or dangerous.
This instinctual response stems from our evolutionary past, where being alert to potential risks was crucial for survival.
Consequently, our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative stimuli, as it triggers a heightened state of alertness.
Sensationalised headlines and dramatic storytelling captivate our attention and keep us hooked.
The constant bombardment of distressing news can lead to a sense of addiction, as we become conditioned to seek out more negativity to satisfy our craving for information.
Unfortunately, this addiction to bad news can have detrimental effects on our mental health.
Constant exposure to negativity can create a skewed perception of reality, making us believe that the world is a more dangerous place than it actually is.
Furthermore, the negativity bias created by our fascination with bad news can overshadow positive events and achievements.
The relentless focus on negativity can hinder our ability to appreciate the good in the world and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
It is essential to strike a balance in our media consumption and be mindful of the impact it has on our mental health.
While staying informed is important, it is equally crucial to nurture our minds with positivity.
As individuals, we have the power to control our media consumption habits and choose to prioritise our mental well-being.
By being aware of the impact of bad news on our minds and consciously seeking a more balanced perspective, we can protect ourselves from the detrimental effects of constant negativity.
In conclusion, the allure of bad news is deeply rooted in our human nature, driven by curiosity and sensationalism.
While it may be tempting to indulge in the drama and darkness, we must recognise the toll it takes on our mental health.
By cultivating a balanced media diet and actively seeking positivity, we can protect our well-being and foster a healthier mindset in an increasingly negative world.
Now let’s go and find something uplifting and funny to laugh about shall we?

I was told a sad story this week. I’d like to share it with you.
Not to make you feel sad, too, but to illustrate there’s always somebody worse off than you . . . unless you’re Jeffrey Archer.
It was told to me by a man I bumped into in the supermarket, a man I hadn’t seen for more than a decade.
I couldn’t remember his name and (because time had added lots of wrinkles to his face and removed most of the hair from his head) I barely recognised him.
He tapped me on the shoulder as I was examining the calorie content on a can of stewed prunes (Don’t judge me: a man’s entitled to a hobby) and genially addressed me by my first name like it was a reunion of two old mates.
As he jabbered away, I vaguely recalled he was the cousin . . . or nephew . . . of a man whose girlfriend’s mother’s bestie once bought me a pint at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
Has someone ever approached you and spoken to you as if they’ve known you for years – and while their face is vaguely familiar, you just can’t recall their name? It’s a terrible feeling, isn’t it?
So, as they tell you their latest family news – which means very little to you – your brain frantically spools through the letters of the alphabet, in the hope that you land on the one that allows you to say, as if you’d known who they were all the time . . .
“I quite agree, Quentin” or “What terribly bad luck, Penelope!”
So, here’s that sad story told to me by someone whose name didn’t just escape me. It ran off into the mountains and several days later it’s still hiding in a deep dark cave.
His brother recently got married and, on the wedding night, the shy bride softly whispered, “Darling. I’ve been keeping a secret from you. I have one toe missing from my left foot and two toes missing from my right foot!”
Her new husband was absolutely furious with her and filed for divorce the following day.
Why?  Because he was lack-toes intolerant!

It seems that Mother Nature has a mischievous sense of humour, especially when it comes to the weather in Wales.
As the rain continues to pour down, it’s hard not to feel a little dampened. But fear not, my fellow Welshmen, there’s always a silver lining to every raincloud.
While the relentless wet weather may make us reach for our umbrellas more often than not, it’s important to remember that Wales wouldn’t be so breathtakingly beautiful without its lush green landscapes.
The rain is the secret ingredient that keeps our country so vibrant and alive, painting the hills and valleys with a stunning palette of colours.
But what about our mood and wellbeing, you ask?
Well, it turns out that the wet weather might just be doing us a favour.
Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to slow down and indulge in some cozy indoor activities.
Whether it’s curling up with a good book, binge-watching our favourite TV shows, or savouring a warm cup of tea, the rain invites us to embrace the comforts of home.
Moreover, studies have shown that the sound of rain can have a soothing effect on our minds, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
So, while the rain may be falling outside, it’s a perfect opportunity to find our own little oasis of calm within the chaos.
And let’s not forget the sense of camaraderie that the rain brings.
We’ve all experienced those moments of solidarity as we huddle under bus shelters or dash through the streets, united in our quest to stay dry.
Rainy days have a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations and creating shared memories.
So, you lovely people, let’s embrace the wet weather with open arms and a smile on our faces.
After all, there’s nothing a little rain can’t wash away, except maybe our worries.
And, remember, when life gives you rain, grab your wellies and dance in the puddles.
Ha ha. I bet you never thought that I would come up with such a positive viewpoint on this wet and cold time of year.