Former drama student and News Shopper editor Andrew Parkes is currently realising his thespian dream playing the back end of a horse in an off-Broadway revival of Steptoe and Son*, so this week’s five thoughts come from the mind of Leisure Editor Jim Palmer.

Save yourself from more of Jim’s thoughts next week by sending us your own using the details below.

News Shopper:

1

When you get to the stage where your car doesn’t even need you to drive it and your telly can listen in to your private conversations then you’ve got to be concerned that technology is encroaching a too far into your life. Where’s the line? I’d love to rant on but I’ve just ordered Hive heating for my home and I once fell in love with a watch that could control the air con in the office.

News Shopper:

2

This secret sex cinema in New Cross has sparked a bit of a debate. While I’ve not been so couldn’t say for certain, I’m not sure it’s for me but if it’s not hurting anyone then I’m not sure I can see the problem. People like and dislike all sorts of things. I can’t stand The Voice.

News Shopper: Chest the job: new archive opens treasure chest of content

3

News Shopper’s 50th anniversary is shaping up nicely. Do make sure you get down to our base at Mega House, Petts Wood, for 10am on Saturday (February 21) for our big treasure hunt. Having had a sneak preview, I can tell you it’s a challenging little number and there are some great prizes to be won.

News Shopper: Thumbnail for media_id 0

4

Our news editor Dan has been popping countless supplements all winter yet he’s always riddled with cold. What’s the deal? He’s fairly young, healthy, eats well and regularly knocks back vitamins C, A, D, B6 as well as zinc and cod liver oil. So why does he get struck down whenever there’s something going round?

News Shopper: WHEEL OF FORTUNE: But could town's luck yet be in?

5

On a related note, I’m confused. It doesn’t take much, I grant you, but butter used to be bad for us and now I’m told it’s not. It’s like there’s a revolving Wheel of Fortune with foods on and wherever it lands this week is what we supposed to avoid. From now on, I’m going to live on bacon sandwiches and blow the consequences.

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

*Alternatively, he's still on holiday