Columns

Dear Mum, can I get the festive season out the way first?

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote of my annoyance that a PR company was promoting some stationery as the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Last updated 8 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Breath-test pedestrians

The annual Christmas drink-drive campaign is under way and already motorists are testing positive, getting banged up in cells, fined hundreds of pounds and banned from driving.

Last updated 8 December 2011
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The nuclear family is no more – who cares?

Back to the basics of good old family values – that’s what this country needs. And that means... erm, what does that mean? (10 comments)

Last updated 6 December 2011
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We know Heidi’s got sole

So what attracted former Cumbrian teacher Heidi Brown to Masterchef presenter Greg Wallace?

Last updated 5 December 2011
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Mistakes happen to the very best of us

revjnmw The Bishop of Carlisle, The Rt Rev James Newcome, last featured in this column following his unexpected appearance on an ITV3 documentary entitled Help I Caught It Abroad.

Last updated 5 December 2011
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Some prime beefcake, whatever the species

Roger Federer has received many accolades during his decade at the top of men’s tennis.

Last updated 5 December 2011
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Exercise makes you a big boy

I used to love PE because it came after a double lesson of physics but mainly because I just liked to run around chasing after a ball like a daft dog.

Last updated 1 December 2011
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Time for a new image, Britney

Hot news this week is that Britney Spears has admitted that she struggles to motivate herself when it comes to working out.

Last updated 1 December 2011
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Pippa Middleton is partying on a royal meal ticket

So here it is... finally it’s December and we can all get officially excited/terrified/hyper/overdrawn in the name of Christmas. And we will all be frantically organising our family get-together won’t we? (7 comments)

Last updated 1 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Why not Cumbria man of the year?

I am the first person to stand up for equality and fairness in all areas of life.

Last updated 1 December 2011
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No wonder mortality rates are so high

Customer service is so important. Those who get it right bask in the beneficial glow of shining reputation.

Last updated 29 November 2011
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Strange, I don’t feel very fulfilled

Jargon is all too familiar. The person who used to be a bin man is now a waste disposal operative.

Last updated 28 November 2011
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Omid Djalili finds it’s all white in Cumbria

Comedian Omid Djalili was warmly welcomed by Cumbrians when he performed at The Sands Centre in Carlisle last week.

Last updated 28 November 2011
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Invest in phones before building a new football stadium

Carlisle United’s board deserve credit for their attempts to secure the club a modern stadium and for consulting supporters on a possible move.

Last updated 28 November 2011
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Booking for 2013, that’s just not funny

Can any of us really be sure what we’re doing next week, never mind next year?

Last updated 28 November 2011
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This housing policy isn’t built on solid foundations

Why, at a time when we need more affordable homes, is the Government planning to take them out of the system?

Last updated 24 November 2011
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Carlisle Utd fans should not have to bear the Brunt any more

Should Carlisle United move home to a soulless shopping and industrial estate parked just off the extreme end of the M6? (1 comment)

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

Jerry-built mousetraps

Here is a mouseflash. Just in case you were wondering, Jerry, our unwanted mouse, is still alive and well and seemingly fatter – despite further efforts to catch him.

Last updated 24 November 2011
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It’s never going to work so, as my teacher used to say...

You have to be pretty silly to light up a cigarette, while driving your car. You’ve got to be a raving loony to chat to your mother on the phone about the weekend’s menus while negotiating a five-lane intersection. (1 comment)

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