Earl Aelfheah

I am talking about the image of an angry mob, which some have suggested to be inherently offensive to black people. If this is true then it would also hold that Shrek has racist undertones and is also upsetting and damaging to children. Clearly this is nonsense. There must be a wider context to all this to have led Mrs Patterson to believe that racism was behind the poster.

I am currently watching Shrek with my child (who is obsessed with it). The film starts off with a scene in which an angry mob come looking for Shrek. I don't believe the film is racist, or that the scene has any racist connotations. Is there a reason to believe that there is racist intent behind the poster at Goodrich? I'm sure that there must be a context to this.

> The fact of the matter remains if any of those > white parents were to be asked an honest question > regarding who they would prefer to run their > school, it would be a white Head - full stop! If you are suggesting that all white people have an issue with a non-white Head (that 'they' are all fundamentally racist), then you are mistaken.

My reaction to reading this story was: - there is almost certainly more to this than reported by the mail. It's quite unbelievable how the Mail use the ethnicity and income (indirectly implied through house prices - even more odd), as a shorthand to insinuate something about the character, motives or values of those involved. There is a lot of lazy stereotyping around ethnicity, class and income going on in this debate. Decrying 'pushy middle class white parents' fails to respect people as individuals - insulting to pretty much everyone. It is not only white parents who get actively involved with their school, or demand higher standards for their children. Nor is it the exclusive preserve of the middle classes. Nor is it true that there is not a substantial black middle class. And lastly, it is not true that any of these grouping are themselves homogenous in their views.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Other names we're considering are Laine, Megan, Holly and Charlotte. What do peeps think?

Why is the value of the headmistresses home in any way relevant (and how is it even known).

Just to clarify, my WTF is aimed at the Mail-as you say I'm sure the story itself is spun to fit the Mails agenda, but the referencing of house prices to describe people is unreal, even for the mail.

Thanks.Langley is nice. Also wondered about Laine, Megan, Holly and Charlotte. Might wait and see what she looks like though. Any opinions(positive or negative), or other suggestions welcome.

WTF?!

Thanks for the suggestions. Will let you know what we decide.

Hi, Baby girl due on Tuesday and struggling with name. Anyone want to offer suggestions? I have been toying with Bailey. What do you think?

Does DJKillaQueen work in television?

Ever since extra, brighter street lights were installed on my road there has been an increase in individuals hanginging out at night. Currently there is a football game going on at gone midnight which has woken my baby. The council at the time installed several light shields to address complaints about the direct effect on peoples ability to sleep, but there is no mitigation do the sleepless nights caused by bored youths who now congregate in the floodlit street. Apparently the lights were upgraded because it makes people feel safer. But I wonder if there is any evidence of whether it effects low level antsocial /nuisance behaviour?

I believe that if you witness behaviour which you consider to be unacceptable you should challenge it. If concepts of society, community are to mean anything, then this is what it takes.

A lack of education and or resources does not make you violent towards children.

...and an increase in the number of fast food outlets.

When is the Sparkle and Spin shop on Melbourne Grove actually open (or are you just wholesale)?

The real solution is to remove the illusion of 'choice' and just make children go to their nearest school.

I have an 18 month old child and she is becoming very challenging, hitting and throwing tantrums when she doesn't get her own way. I am not sure how best to discourage this behaviour - she seems to understand when I speak to her, but her language is limited so it's hard to be sure what she comprehends. I was thinking of using a 'naughty step' when I believe that she is deliberately acting up, but is she too young for this?

Is this the beast.... http://clouddragon.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/tribbles-cute-kitten.jpg

http://www.nownortheast.co.uk/img/stilts.gif

I was having a picnic in Dulwich park today with some mums and babies and three dogs attacked our picnic and ate our food. The 'professional' dog walker who was supposedly in charge of them apologised, but did virtually nothing to stop them (except shouting, which set one of the kids off crying). After they had finally left us alone, yet another, unrealted dog came over and nicked a scotch egg. What the hell is going on? Do people not use leads anymore. Should I have my picnics in Catford in future?

Please don't tell me that this will mean more speed bumps?!

I was nearly run over by a lady in a merc speeding down heber road. She stopped with a screech outside the primary school and ran in. Clearly late picking up a child. Totally thoughtless. Speedbumps just seem to be considered sport for the White van drivers who sail over them at speed (perhaps they've misinterpreted the name). Unfortunately bumps seem to have replaced actual enforcement.

Homeopathy is complete nonsense. If antibiotics don't work, a placebo is unlikely to do the trick in my opinion.