Author Archives: charlie
Bah humbug: why Christmas drives you crackers
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” Kylie sang on the Royal Variety Performance. There are many of us who would take issue with Ms Minogue and with all the forced jollity at Christmas.
Read more...A few home truths about buying your first property
For a lot of young people, placing a foot on the housing ladder is incredibly tough, if not near impossible. Sky-high prices mean most twenty-somethings have little chance of pulling together a deposit on even a modest property – some even need help to rent!
Read more...Black off! Time to turn away from the tills
Shopping really is a national pastime these days. There isn’t a minute of the day when you can’t engage in a little retail therapy, whether that’s online or traipsing around a department store. And millions of us are happy to splash the cash,…
Read more...Health warning! Don’t grow up on the wrong street
It was genuinely shocking to read that good health can vary by a staggering 25 years – within the same borough.
Read more...The snarling face of Britain today
The other day, in the space of just 30 minutes, two minor incidents summed up what a nasty nation we have become. Neither event warranted police action, or maybe even a second glance.
Read more...Give your middle-aged brain a workout
There’s never been a better time to be in your 50s. If you’ve a firm footing on the property ladder and been in a decent job most of your working life, then you can look forward to a rosy retirement.
Read more...vive la difference
It’s a strange relationship we have with the French. Mistrust here, some begrudging admiration there. Of course each of us thinks we rule the roost in this part of the world, whether it’s over food or sport.
Read more...What’s the best record of all-time?
It’s always a good talking point when “Best of” lists are issued. Thrashing out a favourite sit-com, or the greatest footballer of all-time can drive you to distraction.
Read more...Idiots for hire
“We’re doomed” was Private Frazer’s downbeat assessment when events in Dad’s Army took an unfortunate turn.
Read more...Hugh’s thought for food
We are all guilty of throwing away food. That furry piece of cheese hidden away in the back of the fridge; a few mouldy carrots; the scraps from the Sunday roast you just can’t face on Tuesday.
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