Marmora Man

I think too many think KP and FF will get the rest of the team out of trouble - time for everyone to contribute and have a team of all the talents not two stars with lesser constellations around them.

I'd normally vote for an unchanged team - seeing continuity as an advantage but it may be time to give Pieterson a rest and Flintoff a miss.

A classic rearguard action - but I'm not betting on MOnty Panesar to be at Lords

Admin - Time for a lockout I think. Not only contentious, insulting but now also off topic.

For2!

I believe in the freedom of speech position - that it's better to confront that to ban. Puerile arguments put forward by anyone (whether racist, bigoted or simply foolish) are invariably shot down by well reasoned and articulate opponents. Shame and ridicule are far stronger weapons in the fight against bigotry than banning can ever be.

THis now has all the signs of a classic "play for the weather" match - with a draw as the result. Looking forward now to Lord's as I have tickets.

I take it back - England's bowlers lack penetration and the Aussies aren't giving any wickets away.

Two English spinners now watching how much spin the wicket is taking.

Broad looks in touch. A quick 3- - 40 from him and some back up from other tailenders and 400 looks a possibility. Then it's England's bowlers turn - and I'd like to think they'll be a little more penetrating than Australia's - most of whom were given a wicket rather than took it. (cf: Pieterson's).

Neither side looks that good. Wicket is a bit plodding so no great shots - opinion seems to be that it will turn later. Bowling doesn't look too dangerous. Score creeping up in singles and twos. England need to make another 100 to be on top and ideally another 150, then see if our bowling line up can get more from the wicket or our spinners can make whoopee on a turning wicket.

KP gone - foolish shot.

Seeing the coffin (with, presumably, M Jackson's corpse inside) given a starring role reminded me of Hotblack Desiato spending a year dead on the advice of his tax accountants.

One reason why Mummy won't let him be King

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Nominated as the world's ?best short joke ?of the year. ? A ?3-year-old boy examined his testicles while taking a bath. 'Mum', he ?asked, 'Are these ?my brains?' 'Not yet,' she replied.?? ? ?

Forget about the ethics of the magazine being nice, warm and supportive to the vulnerable / socially deprived / poor. Ask the question - is Southwark Life delivering anything of benefit to the vulnerable / socially deprived / poor? If it is - good news. Let's see if the same can be achieved for less (a question all public services are going to have to tackle over the next 10 years). If it isn't - bin it and either save the costs or deploy the money to something more useful.

When I was young(er) we used to retire to the "Back Bar" for serious, tho' often whisky inspired, discussions. I offer it as an alternative.

Mark, I like the idea of a debating room and the greater specificity for areas and support your suggestions.

Keef - on the whole I disagree. I think the matter is one for parents to decide and not for the forum to adjudicate - and said so in an earlier post. However, your comment was a model of mildness and politeness. What has surprised me (but probably shouldn't have done) is the vehemence of the vitriol poured against the family in question and the level of anger that the cyclist / car debate raises. Sean's general point that we should aim for both to use the roads together and sensibly has my support.

Ted Max Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > *Taps gentleman in front gently on shoulder. Notes > sweat is leaking through shirt already.* > > I say, do you chaps mind awfully, only my niece > and I were rather hoping to be able to concentrate > on the cricket Seconded. Gentle murmer of approval runs around the crowd as Tupperware boxes are opened.

Perhaps it was a rugby club, or similar, initiation rite?

JetSetWilly Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > a day in a flight simulator, did the trick for me, > and no matter how many times you say to yourself, > its only a simulator, you still end up bricking > it. I once saw am experienced Navy pilot try to eject from a Phantom simulator - he'd misjudged the height of a church spire on coming in to a simulated landing.

Woo Hoo - it's about to start. EXCEPT - it should already be day 4 of the first Test at Lords but, instead, it's three days to go to the first Test in Cardiff! UPside - no argument at home between cricket and the men's final at Wimbledon, downside - the whole rythym of the summer seems a tad out of joint. Nevertheless, it's the best cricket contest and there's a reasonable chance that the series could end in an England win. Let's see how it all pans out.

Freedom Freedom Freedom. The parents made a choice - they are, presumably, enthusiastic cyclists and probably quite experienced (you don't invest in all those bikes on a whim - so it makes me feel the parents are regular cyclists). The balance of this thread is to criticise parents for encouraging cycling, healthy exercise and time out with their children. I am sure they didn't carry out a careful risk assessment, and nor should they, they probably just thought "let's get on our bikes and go out". Bully for them.