Opinion & columns

If veggies inherit earth there’ll be a lot of methane

Scarcely a day goes by without some so-called expert telling us we’re doing something so very wrong that, if we don’t stop immediately, the world will shrink into a dehydrated, deep fried prune, drop into a black hole in space and die.

Last updated 6 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Small thanks for selfless heroes

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year focuses particularly on supporting injured servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and providing help for the families of those who have died.

Last updated 30 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Democracy is a pain in the bum but it is worth it

It is clear now why dictators cut to the chase and skip the middlemen.

Last updated 30 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Natural charm has to be protected

Petitioner Timothy Hayes-Jones raises pertinent points for consideration when he questions the purpose of Carlisle’s Rickerby Park.

Last updated 23 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Lessons in Dizzee Rascal, aliens and being a celebrity!

Generation gaps, I’ve discovered, are defined by perceptions of glamour, fame and celebrity. In other words, you know you’re getting old when you haven’t a clue what kids are talking about.

Last updated 23 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Compromise is the way to progress

THE green lobby is a strong, vociferous, enthusiastic one, which forges ahead convinced it has right on its side.

Last updated 16 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

What’s scarier? A field of aliens or a class of kids?

Two troubling events take place today. First: Aliens are landing in Scotby. Second: I’m going back to school.

Last updated 16 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Exciting times for an ambitious city

And so it begins... on paper, at least. Carlisle is poised to take receipt of investment amounting to more than £100 million.

Last updated 9 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Global meltdown? It’s suddenly become personal

Agnes is a friend of mine. She doesn’t see very well – but I kind of hope the two are not related.

Last updated 9 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Democracy comes with fire in bellies

The theory is that people power can move mountains... not to mention windfarms, ancient cobbles and unwanted boulders.

Last updated 2 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Even the Nazis can bring culture to our fair city

I may have been mistaken but I thought I saw a Nazi running through Carlisle the other morning.

Last updated 2 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Women: we’re not entirely useless...

He was shouting loudly, gesticulating wildly, attracting too much attention and I’m now slightly ashamed to say, I was shown up.

Last updated 25 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Love is knowing when to be hero – or act helpless

He was shouting loudly, gesticulating wildly, attracting too much attention and I’m now slightly ashamed to say, I was shown up.

Last updated 25 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Debate is needed on future of councils

COUNTY council leader Jim Buchanan believes Cumbria has too many councillors and admits elected members are costing taxpayers too much money.

Last updated 25 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We’ll all need a speakeasy when the lights go out

The hand of history hovered menacingly at shoulder height. Prohibition being imminent, I was edging dangerously closer to outlaw status.

Last updated 18 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Much to consider over Tarn homes

TO describe plans for the development of the old Tarn End House Hotel at Talkin Tarn as divisive would be misleading, since no one has yet openly registered support for the scheme.

Last updated 18 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Time to tear down the walls in our way

Cafe owner Kate Budniak’s disappointed sentiments will undoubtedly echo elsewhere in Carlisle – as plans to bid for City of Culture get underway in earnest.

Last updated 11 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Holidays near my home come with tricky questions

It wasn’t a question I was prepared to answer honestly. “Go on Auntie Anne, tell us what naughty scandals are lurking in your past?” So I lied.

Last updated 11 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Co-operation can lead to benefits

IT’S becoming increasingly clear that developers aiming to build and grow their own businesses need to promise something to the wider community if they are to win support for their commercial ventures.

Last updated 4 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk