The answer is they were all the themes of photos taken by Sunderland Echo photographers in 1999.
We have them all and lots more besides in a look back in time to 22 years ago.
How many of these Wearside scenes do you remember and what other memories do you have of Sunderland back then?
Why not jog your memory by taking a look through our photo selection and then getting in touch to tell us more.
1. More than just a message in a bottle
A time capsule was found by builders refurbishing the former Methodist Church hall in Ethel Terrace, Castletown in August 1999. Eric Frankland and his grandson, Colin Burnicle aged 8 at the time, were pictured with the time capsule and its contents from the old Methodist Hall in Castletown. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. A call for volunteers
The St John's Ambulance service put out a call for volunteers in May 1999 and to promote the appeal, St John nurse Heather Wilson was pictured with cadet Anthony Laing. Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. Celebrating good news
William Ault, director Sunderland's Environment Department celebrates Fulwell Mill's Lottery grant which was granted in August 1999. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Such generosity from the people of Sunderland
There were huge levels of donations for the refugees of Kosovo after an appeal in Sunderland in 1999. Sorting through it all was (left to right) Town End Farm residents Betty Tomlinson, Jackie McDermont, Jan Bramham, Mervian Coulson and regional manager Wendy Conn. Photo: Sunderland Echo