Marmora Man

Louisa, My position remains unchanged. Once apprehended there was, and is, no call for violence. Several people witnessed the event, everyone thought the actions of the staff were over the top. I would use violence myself to defend me, my family and others from unwarranted attack. I do not see violence as an acceptable method of dispensing justice - pre or post conviction.

I have a similar problem - 8 pints of Guinness and I tend to become talkative, emotional and fall over. Next day I feel lousy. Is it something in the waters of the Liffey that is doing this do you think?

A proper arrest and handing to over to courts is generally considered better than giving anyone a good kicking. Maybe I was concerned as this was the 2nd incident I've been involved in inside 24 hours. Last night on the Jubilee Line at Southwark station my tub journey was delayed because two football fans were fighting - a large one sitting on an older man, spitting into his face and threatening to kill him. I intervened, tried to calm both down and arranged for someone to call station staff. The remainder of the 2,000 people watched as I tried to stop the fight. I dislike violence and dislike even more passivity in the face of violence.

At 5.30pm today a man was being in Somerfields held by the Somerfields' manager, and two others. The man being held was, allegedly, a shoplifter and was not fighting. He was however punched, thrown to the floor and kicked before being dragged up again and thrown into the back of the shop with those holding him continuing to hit him while swearing and threatening him. A few customers tried to intervene but were told that it was being handled by security. None of those involved were wearing any kind of uniform or identification as security. Police were summoned by a customer and the manager and his "security staff" interviewed. Two customers gave statements to the police. Shoplifting is wrong - but so is unnecessary violence.

Agree entirely - tho' on last two visits the meal has been ellivened by a small grey mouse running around the floor and watching the staff trying to drive it into a plastic bag.

This is a sensible posotion for the next Government to take - regardless of party persuasion. Fox hunting doesn't control foxes particularly well and probably few, if any, living in the country would argue it does. Hunting a wild animal whose track, random actions and reactions cannot be predicted while on the back of half a ton of horse, jumping over hedge and ditches, riding fast through woods and countryside - often in wet and slippery conditions is an adrenaline rush to compare with being at sea in a storm, abseiling off a high cliff, game fishing, bungee jumping and other extreme sports. It is not for all but - as ever - the libertarian in me opposed the ban which was, as MP stated, an act of class war and a sop to elements of the Labour Party that allowed Tony Blair to get on with his other agenda without too much back bench hssle.

Yesterday the Herne delivered three perfectly cooked Sea Bass dishes to our table. Two fillets per plate, skin golden and crisp, flesh moist yet firm. To spoil Sea Bass is very easy to get it spot on is requires a very good chef. My culinary standards are my business - but yesterday's fish was up there with some of the best restaurants I've eaten in and at ?11.00 a plate was excellent value.

Hear hear.

I ate at the Herne tonight and spoke to Chris after my meal - he said he had seen the criticism and would respond, as he has above. Our food and service were of high quality - both our waitress and the manager (Chris) checked out our satisfaction regularly. The Sea Bass and steak were both excellent. There were no extended waits for drinks or food. In the past the staff have always been very helpful with my disabled father-in-law and his wheelchair - we have never had a bad meal there. If I were to be critical I would recommend better table cleaning between meals (ours was a bit sticky) and encouraging smokers not to congregate at the entrance - making a fog of cigarette smoke to walk thru' on entering the pub. No comment on toilets - we were close to home! However, we like the Herne, eat there fairly regularly and always recommend it to others. Our guests, from Spain, were impressed with food, wine and service.

This is a shame if repeated. I have eaten at the Herne many times, and always enjoyed the food and service, tho' not in last 3 months. Have booked for tonight with three friends and will report back

Si Mangia & Cafe 2050 along Forest Hill Road parade can both be recommended. Si Mangia for robust, inexpensive Italian food and friendly service, Cafe 2050 for good breakfasts, coffee & cakes.

As does "Get Carter"

With J Agutter playing the fantasy nurse of all time.

I've been using iMac or 4 years - not one single virus or crash has occurred which is great. If you prefer Mirosoft software it can now run on iMac -= eg Office / Outlook etc. Very good for editing photos & videos. Better search facility to track down files, docs, photos etc that you have forgotten title of. The Apple Store in REgent St (and probably the one at Bluewater) run free seminars for different aspects of iMac applications.

I am sympathetic to many Libertarian ideas. The following is a recent statement from the Libertarian Alliance - it makes for interesting reading but, as yet, I am not sure if I want to buy this argument. Libertarian Alliance - Thoughts on Georgia Any alternative views / thoughts out there?

The one with dog crap all over it - that's most residential streets.

Is there ever going to be a new cafe / bar - at the moment it seems to all mouth and no trousers (just chaps & corsets)

The recent revival with CHarles Dance and Janie Dee was excellent and moving too

And his Richard III - he looked like a mad, bad spider scuttling around the stage hunched over two crutches and two long black sweeping sleeves

Not a top ten and not a list of must read books - just those that I return to time and time again. I list a few and ask others for the "comfort reads" for wet weather summers and other times: Count of Monte Cristo Pride & Prejudice Master & Commander (in fact pretty much anything in the Aubrey / Maturin series) Smiley's People The Honourable Schoolboy Send Down a Dove Gorky Park War & Peace (honestly)

The EState agents next door is expanding into it - which seems the height of optimism.

Maybe it would have been better to call it "MY best top 10 films" then there'd be no defence required.

I hear that during Wimbledon fortnight and Grand Cup week in Cheltenham houses will rent for ?5K / week upwards - so ?1500 for the fortnight may be low balling it a bit. Pretty sure there'll be a market for rentals nearer the time - and the nearer the time the higher the rental could be. Anyone know how many changes it'll be from Honor Oak Tube Station (new East London Line) to Stratford - if it's straight thru' ED and surrounding areas could be a prime location.

Agree - keep it loose and casual. Was good to meet some faces I knew and a number I didn't. Plus some interesting books.

Can anyone explain why I should be interested in the Olympics. 200+ countries all fielding over 100 athletes makes for 20,000+ sportsmen & women 99.99% of whom I have never heard of. They run, they jump, they swim and they do all kinds of other stuff in Beijing while I'm asleep. As a sports event, for me, it ranks way below watching a pick up game of football in the local park, cricket on the village green - let alone the majesty of a Test Match. At least for my three examples I'm engaged, not xenophobic and I care about the outcome, the players and skills they are deploying. Olympics aren't about sport - they're major economic / geo political events. All that said - I'll go along when they're held in London because they are such one off "events" but it won't be for the sport.