Write Stuff

We’re not dying yet

So, it’s 2012. Happy January. Enjoy it ‘cos it may be your last one... or so plenty of people would have us believe.

Last updated 3 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Upfront on pricing

One of my bugbears is something being promoted as a bargain when it’s not a bargain at all.

Last updated 2 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

My hopes for 2012

Every New Year’s Eve I sit down and reflect on the year that’s passed. I once tried standing up but my knees weren’t having it.

Last updated 31 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

It may be the season of peace on earth, but even at Christmas there’s unrest in the Middle East. The latest reports are not of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians – but between two groups of priests.

Last updated 30 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Learning the lingo

When I first moved to Cumbria the greeting “alright?” was alien to me. As a result my reaction was a definite and even slightly defensive “Yes. I am.”

Last updated 29 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Upgrade a real gem

I’ve enjoyed travelling on some spectacular railway journeys on holidays abroad.

Last updated 28 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Mirror on mourning

The official period of mourning for North Korea’s strange leader Kim Jong-Il is not over yet. He died last on December 17 but the grieving must run until Thursday.

Last updated 27 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Stop, look and listen

I’ve always thought the work that goes into road safety campaigns, whether it’s road safety officers in schools, charities or television ads, helps to keep the issues in the spotlight.

Last updated 24 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

No, you don’t say!

Before moving to my new flat I planned to go to the post office and register to get my mail forwarded.

Last updated 23 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I’ll pass on Pole stroll

It is 100 years this month since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole.

Last updated 22 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Animals heroes too

What makes a war hero? Do animals deserve a monument as much as humans?

Last updated 21 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

We’re fine thanks, Mary

Many town centres are dying and queen of shops Mary Portas has been tasked to come up with ideas for reviving them.

Last updated 20 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Message received

A controversial church has rolled out a publicity stunt for Christmas which shows the Virgin Mary holding a positive pregnancy test. It’s a classical painting with a very modern twist.

Last updated 19 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

All I want for Xmas...

One of the things I love about Christmas is the chance to watch festive films. I’ve tried doing this in June but it’s not quite the same.

Last updated 17 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

The rise of the nasties

It’s very depressing. We seem to be becoming a nation of selfish nasties. Not all of us, of course, but there seems to be far too many nasties for comfort.

Last updated 15 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk