And people across South Tyneside were keen to share their views on these and other matters with the Shields Gazette 20 years ago.
We are revisiting some of the topics which had you speaking up. They included how long people got for their lunch break and whether was it really an hour.
Others had their say on Wayne Rooney and if he should go with England to the World Cup that year after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot.
There were some people who discussed the pros and cons of smoking and others who wanted to voice their opinion on pension levels.
See if you can spot someone you know in our picture gallery. If you do, tell us more by emailing [email protected]
1. Pension matters
This shopper kindly shared is spare time to speak to the Shields Gazette about pensions in 2006. | sg
2. Speaking up in 2006
Out on the streets in 2006 when this South Shields resident had her say on pension levels. | sg
3. World Cup debate
One of the hot topics for discussion in 2006 was whether Wayne Rooney should go to the World Cup after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot. | sg
4. Lunch hour conversations
Having his say on lunch hours and whether people really did get 60 minutes break/ | sg