Each week I use this space to share my five thoughts – the good, the bad and the ugly.

But I’m not selfish, so I’m also very happy to donate the space to guest writers to have their say. Write to me using the contact details below.

1. Heard this week the number of STD cases in homes for the elderly is rocketing and becoming a big concern. You can understand why those in charge need to take a responsible attitude and I take it the old fashioned idea of adding something to the tea is no longer PC. On the other hand, I have to say it’s nice to think there’s still life in a few old dogs yet and a few game old girls out there.

2. Is my mind playing tricks on me, or wasn’t diesel always a cheaper option than petrol? I’m sure we were beguiled into switching to noisier diesel engines on the basis they were cleaner and cheaper. The quieter they’ve become, the bigger the gap in the prices have grown. Why is diesel now so much more expensive than petrol?

3. As a society are we now creating far more miserable old gits? And, miserable young gits, come to that? It seems to me even when someone comes up with something really great, really positive, something that improves things for just about everyone, there’s always someone prepared to moan and gripe. Perhaps it’s the fault of the internet. The speed at which good ideas are now broadcast and promoted means the naysayers have more time and the perfect vehicle to whinge.

PREVIOUS 5 THOUGHTS:

4. Given the current state of English sport I was asked which of our sides is deepest in the proverbial mire – football, cricket or rugby? Well, one loss to the Irish and a few slightly misplaced kicks doesn’t make them a disaster, so the rugby boys still top the list. Now, cricket or football? True, there’s not much hope for our footie team these days, but sadly I think the old duffers running cricket are even more stuck in the past so they’re third in my table of three.

5. Remember when you used to visit Europe and comment about the poor state of “their” roads? How the tables have turned.

Send in your 5THOUGHTS by email to aparkes@london.newsquest.co.uk, send on Twitter to @parkestheeditor or send through Facebook to facebook.com/newsshopper