Life

"If Naples had managed to patent pizza it would now be among the world's wealthiest cities…" wrote Burton Anderson in "Treasures of the Italian Table".

As I write this, Labour Weekend looms large and that means but one thing in this house…

Have you ever sparked conflict with a young person? They're quite easy to start. But what many people don't realize, is the small things you can do to help build a better relationship with a young person.

We've reached that time of year when I find that the wonderful comfort food of winter is no longer as wonderful or comforting as it was.

In 1672 William Hughes, a physician to King Charles II, described it as "one of the most rare and pleasant fruits... It nourisheth and strengtheneth the body, corroborating the spirits and procuring lust exceedingly."

Over the past few weeks with the Rugby World Cup, I must say it's been quite a record for how many times I've been breath tested!

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." John Gunther, American journalist

The seeds I had found were brown mustard seeds or Brassica juncea, more potent than the white, that is sometimes called yellow, Sinapis alba; these two between them providing nearly all commercial mustard.

The topic for this feature is about that most basic of home repairs, clearing a blocked drain in either the kitchen or bathroom.

It's a sad thought that our dear country has this kind of history that keeps repeating itself, but there are definitely some sound ways parents and relatives can make the growing up years a little easier.