I was scooting through Onchan the other day to that friendly neighbourhood pharmacy, Karsons.

Do you remember when a pharmacist was called a chemist?

I think that chemists vanished about the same time as chiropodists and opticians when they became podiatrists and optometrists.

I had just started the countdown to the flight plan to enter the roundabouts and had reached the ’peel-off point’ at Ken Faragher’s, the undertakers (or should I say funeral directors?).

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre and I was there. Mission accomplished.

One carrier bag packed with pills and a couple of hot pasties from Corkills, a Daily Mail and, before I knew it, I was back at the ranch.

Safe and sound and with a good idea for a column. Names.

Do you ever notice how some names or titles are just a perfect fit for a particular job?

For example, I once knew an undertaker called Killey (think about it), and there is a weather lady on telly called Blizzard.

I remember another regular reporter called Officer who was a spokesman for Scotland Yard.

You have probably noticed that over the years professional titles or ranks have altered, changed or, in some cases, just vanished.

Political correctness, for example, has led to many changes. The lady who would show you to your seat on your flight to wherever, was known as an ’air hostess’. This became ’air stewardess and is now ’cabin steward’.

Similarly, all police officers are now simply that. There is no difference in title between male or female members of the constabulary.

And why should there be?

Every one does the same job. I could quote many more examples, but you know what I mean.

This type of name change could be mistaken by some folk to be sexist, but as far as I’m concerned, there is no such intent.

I am just writing about how things change. But I do find it difficult to understand why a female would prefer to be called a chair person instead of a chair woman.

And, staying with names, what do we call our children?

At the time, it may have been a good idea to have named your newborn pride and joy after United’s leading goal scorer.

But before you do, just think about the questions that your son or daughter will have to answer in years to come.

Names can be fashionable or popular, they may be a traditional family name hand-down name or something that reminds you of a special holiday or a special place.

But take care! A wonderful idea can turn into a complete nightmare.

Your little one may have been conceived in ’Paris’ or ’India’, for instance, and forever be romantically remembered by those names but the same idea would be a complete flop if you had a soft spot for Pakistan, or even Peel. Let’s face it. ’Karachi’ or ’Fenella Beach Carpark’ just doesn’t have the same ring about it.

I would say that if you were on the lookout for something unusual, footballers or pop stars are worth keeping an eye on.

But, thank goodness, here are no such surprises in our family line up. Well nothing serious that is.

Coincidentally, my brother Bryan (take note of the ’y’) has just been over for a few days.

He lives in Manchester and was here for the ’Great Pully Reunion’. The afternoon was a fantastic success, enjoyed by all, and more than likely will be repeated.

It is always good to see him, and especially with his precious supply of Bury black puddings.

Gelling’s eggs, Andreas bacon, Steve’s Onchan pork sausages and a Bury black pudding. Breakfast Heaven!

I also like to see my sister when she comes over, but I don’t think that she likes black puddings.

A decade ago Pullyman - aka Michael Cowin - was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, a condition that affects people in different ways. Michael discovered writing and Island Life is featuring some of his musings. Sometimes topical, sometimes nostalgic, read about life as seen through the eyes of Pullyman