IT could only happen here...
The barnstorming dish of a Carrick firefighter and occasional chef?
No, not stu - hot chilli!
Pollaxed
PLENTY of heated debate with the European election just a week away.
One runner warned "we.... cannot afford to become complacent", while a s
upporter of another candidate sought to highlight the danger of "apathy".
That wouldn't be complaceny or apathy as in both press releases categorised as 'junk mail' on arrival at 19 North Street.
Sit on it
THE words of American pop-culture icon and international star Henry Winkler, best-known as Fonzie in long-running series Happy Days, can be enjoyed by the borough's rail commuters.
Following the launch earlier this year of Translink NI Railways' innovative Book Club especially for passengers, Winkler, who is now recognised as an award-winning author of children's books, visited Central Station to meet staff, passengers and fans for a special book signing.
The Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning actor, director and producer, began writing a series of 12 children's novels with his partner Lin Oliver entitled 'Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Under-Achiever'. The books are inspired by Winkler's own struggle throughout his education due to learning challenges with dyslexia. To date, 2 million copies of the first 10 books in the series have been sold.
The book club aims to encourage passengers to read more onboard trains to relax – something you can't do in the car! (Ed's note: motorists unhappy with that last statement are advised your favourite family newspaper is only the vehicle for conveying the message.)
One for sorrow
HELLO and hard luck to Newcastle United FC supporters from the district.
Now, why has this greeting been relegated to third from bottom?
Glenerous offer
THE bottom of the hill at Stormornt, or more precisely Lord Carson's statute, was the location for a meeting of two figures of the local game yesterday (Wednesday) morning.
The Taylor made delivery is not expected for a week or two after the exchange - it is even alleged a cheque book was brandished - between a veteran goalscorer and a former player-turned director.
While the rest of the details have been spiked, suffice to say it is the nearest Carrick will come to seeing this unexpectedly free agent swap blue for an amber and black shirt.
Lofty ambitions
IF you were among the lucky ones to enjoy the spring holiday, chances are you won't have lifted a hand around the house. Don't feel guilty, statistics are on your side.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, people here are the least likely in the UK to undertake DIY to improve their homes. New research reveals that over half of Northern Ireland householders (60%) are 'DIY Shy', in other words, not confident enough to use basic practical skills which will enable them to improve their home. This is the highest figure in the UK and is well above the average of 53%.
By tackling four simple-to-do home improvements (top-up existing loft insulation to 270mm, put a jacket on the hot water cylinder, draught-proof doors and windows, and insulate or 'lag' hot water pipes), householders could cut around £185 off their annual fuel bill, add value in the long-term to their home and save money for the harder-to-do projects best left to a professional.
TV presenter Sarah Beeney added: "More and more people are making green improvements to their home, as it can add value and save them money on their household bills. Most of these green DIY tasks are relatively simple, though I strongly advise that if you don't know what you are doing and are unsure that you can achieve the right results, get a professional in or take a DIY course."
Excuse the pedantry, can you take a DIY course?
