Peckhamgatecrasher

I've just received info telling me that unless I opt out, NHS will produce a record available nationwide holding personal, medical details. On the face of it, this seems a sensible idea - in an emergency any health provider can access pertinent details (eg, allergies) but I'm more concerned about more sensitive stuff and the fact that once created, the record cannot apparently be deleted. What do others think?

Dear Bubble, I noticed a huge red thing with two decks on wheels today. What do you think that could be?

Airedales will probably be fine with your own brood, but I was bitten by two Airedales as a young teenager, so it's a breed I particularly hate and wouldn't trust them with other people's children. Temperamentally, mongrels are your best bet. Labs are great but will be forever trying to snatch food! Dobermans are pussycats - they only kick in with their inbred instinct when a family member is directly threatened, but you do need to establish top dog status early on. Border Collies are neurotic - again probably fine with your own family but a bit unpredicatable and need tons of exercise. Of course, all the above is completely subjective, I'm sure others will have different experiences, eg, I instinctively avoid minature breeds, they always seem to be yapping and jumping up.

Sue Ellen.

You could ring round the libraries and see if they are selling any stock off. Also, you could download audio books onto an MP3 as an alternative.

I don't know. What do you call a pug, a dachshund and a moggie?

Jars for Jah. Happy Birthday.

Just finished The Boy with No Shoes by William Horwood. Beautiful. Blubbed my way through it.

No, that's Carrie.

I think CrystalClear is running a test at the moment.

Let me translate for you, Brum. Crystal Clear is a trifle miffed that Martin & Lesley's services are no longer required at the pub quiz; he feels that an antipodean quiz master will not have quite the same experience. I believe he is conferring an ancient Irish blessing on Trish, the owner of the pub.

That bloody pink flamingo thing on the Blake Mural. It winds me up several times a day.

Brendan, you know I adore you, but you're being a bit of a prick here. Calm down, apologise, then teach us. Just because we didn't grow up there doesn't mean we can't have a perspective, even if it's misinformed or seen through colonial spectacles. You have a captive audience, treat us gently and with respect - we will respond.

Thanks Victoria.

Repossession doesn't really solve the problem. The homeowner is still liable to pay the difference between the outstanding mortgage and eg, auction selling price. There is no incentive not to do a runner or go bankrupt if one's home is taken away. Compulsory mortgage indemnity insurance actually only covers the lender, not the borrower. It would be better to give an interest holiday and some solid debt reduction techniques. Possibly deducting mortgage payments at source salary would satisfy the lender while this process takes place.

hi James Have to agree with mrsw's post - this junction is far worse to cross than the EDR/P Rye junction was with roadworks. It really needs some pedestrian lights.

Last time I looked the difference between 55 and 47 was eight. I'm not fussy, Krug will do.

S'alright, Rosie, diamonds are a perfectly acceptable alternative. You will be able to point him in the direction of Cartier's finest 1930s settings

That's a poor reference section for a library then.

Are you Nick Hornby in disguise?

Steward

Don't panic - I have a wind-up radio and some water purification tablets.

Not silly - don't be silly. I'm sure if a friendly Admin or Moderator is going they could arrange something with you. PS - Admin - will you do an annual reminder please, I can't remember when I last bought you a drink?

Katie, if you look at the bottom right of the EDF screen, you will find a donate button.

There are some beautiful Camellias around at the moment - don't know when they are supposed to bloom.