Talk of the Town: Historic Hibs victory never far from mind

And staunch Hibs fan and Leith councillor Gordon Munro doesn't miss a chance to talk about the time that his side ran out 7-0 victors at Tynecastle on New Year's Day in 1973.

At the latest council budget meeting, the Liberal Democrat/SNP administration had handed out copies of their proposals with the title: "Version 7 (nil)".

Sensing an opportunity to rile Hearts-loving deputy council leader Steve Cardownie, Councillor Munro quipped: "The only part of the administration motion I could support is their acknowledgement of this historic victory by Hibernian FC over our neighbours. It is clear evidence that the Hearts hegemony in this council is losing its grip."

Rituals get flushed away once family takes priority

WE are indebted to Carlton cricket club at Grange Loan and their daily blogger "Fantasy Bob" for news of an improvement in the mental condition of recent South African opener Neil McKenzie - generally regarded as the most superstitious man in sport - whose rituals include taping his bat to the dressing room ceiling before an innings.

Also, toilets must be flushed and seats closed before McKenzie ever leaves a dressing room, allegedly.

Currently, Fantasy Bob is quoting an interview with McKenzie in which it is said of the player: "Now he has a wife and child he doesn't have time to think about toilets and taping bats to ceilings."

Is a bit of colour going out of the bat and ball game?

Spooky screening is a secret

THE Edinburgh Secret Society's next event will be a screening of cult 1972 film The Stone Tape - described by critics at the time as the creepiest drama ever made.

The society hopes to see if the classic ghost story can still spook a 21st Century audience and will be assessing the audience's fear levels during the screening on March 7 at the Filmhouse.

Of course, we shouldn't be telling you all this. It's a secret.

Wash away the romance

SOME last-minute Valentine's advice for any hapless Romeos still looking for a suitable gift.

Hand-picked from the annual flood of Valentine's press releases is this invaluable top five of gifts not to give. In no order - washing powder, hideous jewellery, nothing, cheap wine and fake flowers. Surely, if you need someone to tell you not to buy a loved one washing powder on Valentine's Day you are beyond help.