Keef

What, without being voted in to such power? Wouldn't that make you a bit of a dictator? ;-)

I walked up there to my parents' about half 3 and all quiet, so hopefully not too serious.

Thatcher was given a house in Dulwich once, wonder what that's worth these days? ;-)

This is quite correct, but I still think you are somewhat missing the point. Of course there are a load of greedy rich landlords out there taking the absolute p!ss, I don't think anyone would argue with that, especially not Huguenot. The point is however that most "average joes" can't get a council house, have to pay stupid rents, and do subsidise council housing whether you like it or not. They may well subsidise other things, but to deny they subsidise council housing is just not correct. Even if this is true (and they offer no evidence), the amounts invested are still large! To clarify, I am NOT an opponent of council housing, I just wish it was more fair, and I don't think anyone should have a right to it based simply on the fact that their parents had it.

Didn't Thatcher say that CWALD? ;-) Of which there will never be enough to go around. Totally agree about the buy-to-let stuff, but I think a lot of that stuff is just sensationalist bo!!ocks. No doubt this will help a lot of the big landlords and rich people, but it will also save a lot of the little people, and I have heard no better ideas.

I am with Jeremy. What does bug me quite a bit though is the whole secured tenancy that can be passed to offspring. I have a friends who have grown up in council housing, and they just totally expect it for themselves, and are getting it. Just doesn't seem fair to the rest of us. Basically, they could grow up, get a really well paid job, and just automatically get a council house, and that just doesn't seem fair. I have sat in the pub with the friends of mine who have grown up in council housing, and listened to them boasting about how they are going to get a new flat, or how they're using some story to blag one, and I sit there nodding and grinning because I don't want to fall out, but what I actually want to say is f**k you, what makes you any different or more deserving than me or anyone else? And CWALD I have to agree with Huguenot that your post did come across a bit like "ha ha, I have all this, you don't", not sure that's how you meant it, but that is how it sounds. Edited to clarify my point a bit.

Xmas or not, the service is always shocking in the dog, even when noone else is waiting!

This seems to have been the year when most of my mob have settled down a bit, or moved away, so have no idea what we're doing, and surprisingly to myself, I find myself not really caring anymore. Will no doubt still find myself very drunk somewhere though...

I finally got Mario Kart which is great fun and very addictive. Also got Sean White snow boarding which is quite fun with the wii fit balance board!

And that will do very nicely.

1978 actually, but near enough.

So I didn't due to not being born yet ;-) Still weren't exactly enough for everyone mind.

Who is the only ever second generation F1 driver to have followed in their father's footsteps by becoming world champion? Damon Hill (who's dad Graham Hill was champ twice).

:-S Not sure how that happened.

Seriously doubt it Sean... Although now you mention it, Blackheath village is also terrible!

I just wish we lived in a country where there was enough council housing available for everyone to have one, or private rentals at lower prices.

It was indeed Harry Enfield.

There are certain spots where my reception just disappears completely. Whenever I am on a bus going down towards Dulwich, past Hornimans / bottom of Sydenham Hill, it will cut out without fail. No idea why, but very very annoying!

Good stuff, that's almost a season ticket for pompey!

Who is the only ever second generation F1 driver to have followed in their father's footsteps by becoming world champion? Damon Hill (who's dad Graham Hill was champ twice).

Dave Maustaine was an early lead guitarist for Metallica, but was fired before the release of their debut album. Which heavy metal band did he go on to form? Megadeth

BB, do you eat cream eggs all in one? Respect if you do! >:D

I always find reception very up and down when I'm at the dog for a pint, I'm t-mobile.

Good on ya Kel! I always used to say that xmas was just a horrid time when lonely people were reminded of how lonely they were (I was not in the best way at this stage of my life). I still believe that to a point, and like to see posts like yours that show there are people out there who care. I have ultimate respect for those who give up their time to work in soup kitchens and the like, they put me to shame! I don't think everyone should feel a huge guilt whilst tucking in to their dinner, but it can do no harm at all to spare a thought for others!

More than likely!