No thought of hygiene Jul 17 2004
If "coughs and sneezes spread diseases" what do unwashed hands do? more
Karen's landmark payout Jul 10 2004
I see Karen Parlour had found herself an "agent" to announce her "relief" to the world following her landmark divorce settlement from Arsenal player Ray. more
We have had quite enough Jul 10 2004
Just what part of "we don't want a bar on our doorstep" do the licensing justices in this area not understand? more
A world beyond the classroom Jul 3 2004
The other evening I was privileged to attend the preview of the final collections of arts and design students at Newcastle College. more
Come on, it's only a game of football Jun 26 2004
A year ago we were all in the doldrums when we failed, against all the predictions, to win the vote to become European City of Culture in 2008. more
A need to look after the dead Jun 19 2004
So the new Liberal Democrat council in Newcastle is considering asking the voters how they would like the council to spend its budget every year? more
Prince missed an opportunity Jun 12 2004
If ever an occasion lived up to its billing, it was the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Sunday. more
Day that really won freedom Jun 5 2004
Sad to say on this, one of the most momentous weekends in our history, the young people of Britain are probably more concerned about the oh-so-predictable antics of Geordie girl Michelle and her cronies in the Big Brother house than old soldiers on parade in France. more
It's not my No1 choice Apr 24 2004
I have no idea how many singles have to be sold in a week to make the coveted Number One slot - but since the bulk of chart CDs are reported to be bought by under 12s it would be interesting to find out how Eamon, currently in the top spot for the second week, made it to pole position. more
Why I felt so empty after a big meal Apr 17 2004
I would like to lodge a complaint. Indeed, I am writing on behalf of everyone who has been to a restaurant for a special evening out, has struggled to understand the pretentious descriptions on the menu, has gasped at the cost of things and had a thoroughly unhappy dining experience. more
Time you got real, Milburn Apr 10 2004
Alan Milburn looks heaps better, years younger and much more relaxed since he gave up his cabinet post last year because he wanted to spend more time at home with his family. more
The lost art of neighbourliness Apr 3 2004
Do you know your neighbours? No? I'm not being nosey - I just wondered, that's all, in the light of all those arrests this week of men suspected of being terrorists. Their houses in our suburban streets looked unremarkable. Their neighbours - that is, those that lived nearby - have professed shock and surprise. more
Moving story of courageous Jonny Mar 27 2004
Did you watch it? Could you bear it? Did you manage to tear yourself away from the Newcastle United match and turn to Channel 4 for The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off? more
Drinking like it was pop Mar 20 2004
So people in the North-East drink more than anyone else. Well, that's something to be proud of, I don't think. more
A scandal that really hits home Mar 13 2004
I wonder how many members of Parliament have received letters from their mortgage lenders to say their endowment policies are facing a shortfall and that they're going to have to dip into their savings to cover the gap. more
It's all a recipe for disaster Mar 6 2004
It's been a funny old week in the war on obesity. First we have the Oscars where Nicole Kidman looks like a pencil and all the other film stars' looks so lean and lithe they must have starved themselves for weeks to get into their posh dresses. more
A good cry never hurt us Feb 28 2004
This week I cried when I read that Sara Payne's mother - grandma of murdered Sarah - had died suddenly from cancer at the age of 52. more
So easy to fall prey to evil web Feb 21 2004
Frightening tales of abuse and "grooming" continue to surface in spite of countless warnings, tough television campaigns, major news stories, court cases, runaway children, paedophiles and police pledges to hunt down the perpetrators of porn on the internet. more
Big issues behind school hours idea Feb 14 2004
It's still only a suggestion scribbled on a piece of paper but news that primary schools could open from eight in the morning until six at night is already being hailed as a great move - and a done deal. more
Let love make a world's difference Feb 7 2004
Next weekend is momentous for two reasons. First, school breaks up for half term on Friday, providing most children with a welcome break from the routine of lessons and a chance to chill out with their friends. And second? It's Valentine's Day next Saturday! more
