Otto

It is, and, there have been incidents in the past on that stretch as well as near the corner of east Dulwich road. I think it is just a well- known commuter walking route that gets little car traffic in the evening so it is targeted.

Thanks for posting. I am glad to have the information as that is route I often travel, and, send babysitters home via. It is indeed useful to know. I am glad you escaped, and, hope you can shake off the bad experience soon...

You must carry a valid drivers license at all times. If it does not have a photograph, you will need a passport to accompany it. Some states allow right on red, others do not. There are often also "no right turn" signs hanging on the overhead traffic lights. Not sure about the kindle, but, the obvious thing is it would have a different plug. As stated above, there might be different licensing for uk/usa books so do look into that. Your driving estimate is probably fairly accurate... Have fun!

Susyp - I used to be allergic to chocolate - had more than a few Easters of - Jelly Beans and American yellow marshmallow squashy chicks (yum). We also used to dye eggs and decorate. Put some food coloring in boiling water (or anything natural like the afore-mentioned onions, beets, tea...if you inclined), add a tablespoon or so of white vinegar and water. Add eggs. Boil. You can also draw designs on them with wax crayons before throwing them in the pot - the dye will not adhere in those areas - suffice to say, a white crayon works wonders, but, can really mystify a child..;). If you'd rather decorate them after you dye, any permanent pen works well - especially the gold and silver ones...Good Luck, Otto edited a lot for spelling - speed typing...!

And...we still have not received a letter by post. However, I did contact the school we were hoping for, and, they kindly advised me we had a spot. Registration complete. Whew.

It is now an academy. We received a letter this week announcing this.

Ha. Could you live stream it on ustream for the rest of us? (!)

Pannier and rack is the answer as James suggested. My boys and I manage to cram in violins, karate kit, pe kit, swim bags etc or some combination of the above most days into panniers...

I think there is a benefit. For instance, as a personal example, I am beginning to let my 10 year old walk to and from school. There a few of us here that are not london born and bred, and it is good to know the goings on as it helps keep us sensible. These postings have motivated me to explain how to have some street smarts to my son. I wouldn't have addressed phone theft, etc with a ten year old ordinarily. He does not have a phone, but, wants one. From the postings on this forum I have been made to face the realities that one can perhaps be blind to otherwise (esp. if you did not grow up here), and, guide my son accordingly. It is heartbreaking to burst the bubble of innocent childhood loveliness with tales of no-gooders but, alas, it is necessary.

I came from the meeting with a slightly different opinion. The current board of governors came across as a highly specialised and learned group who have sifted through layers and layers of constantly changing information. The highly political hot potato nature of this proposal seems to have been carefully considered by analysis rather than emotion. I think it is hard to set politics aside, but, from an administrative, legal and financial perspective it does make sense for this school to convert. From a utopian perspective, it sits rather badly if all schools do go the academy route, some schools would have a distinct advantage based on the expertise of the governing body available to that school. The hamlet is going to have 6 parent governors, and, they have a highly educated pool to draw from. Personally it looks like removing a level of bureaucracy more than anything. If I find more time, I will fill in on other points made. I am not utterly pro-academy, but, would like to present a view fromother side just to provide a more balanced conversation. I do see both sides fairly clearly - and each group has points that the other side is not hearing. There is also a large amount of propaganda that does not help at all. More soon, otto

Fantastic! Well-deserved and I just saw a twitter with this link showing your trophy! http://jamesbarber.mycouncillor.org.uk/2011/02/09/online-councillor-of-the-year-2011/ Otto

Virgin Internet at a record-breaking snail pace today...melbourne grove area...and I'm supposed to be on the highest speed...

Skylon at the south bank - amazing food, lovely room and views...have taken my kids there lots - do call and see about a highchair though--

We've been down sporadically lately, but, it does go back up quickly for us - and we are on it ALL the time in this house...

How about an anchor restaurant instead? Like attracting an amazing renowned chef to locate here? That would be in keeping with the foodie independent character of the area...

I don't think a waitrose or m&s would eliminate any of the good little shops...most of them fill distinctive niches. I shop at all of them and...Ocado. Ocado would suffer.

Yes please.

One week of wages I've done as well... But only for the best - we've had several...

Bossman has an odd selection - maybe there? Or Nicholas? Sainsbury?

Thanks - being American the acronym did not compute - thanks!

Thief caught! Apparently they have been wanting to get him for a while - notorious car thief! Currently locked up and had to give another statement this afternoon to support keeping him locked up...I live neAR melborne grove...

car is knackered though. key no longer works and scratched and cracked...

I do not know what ANPR is, but, basically, the police sent out a description, the license plate was recognized going through the rotherhite tunnel, and, an undercover cop chased him as he fled the car...and then they drove the car back to me. rather amazing.

yes - snowing in ed - reports from other places that got hit first indicate it will continue, and, might be moderately heavy - eg. disruptive to getting home...

yes. I walked out to throw away some trash, looked up, and, watched them drive away. the christmas miracle is - it was recovered in tower hamlets and is back 3 and 1/2 hours later!!! Brilliant job by the police - they were AWESOME.