katanita

Is it just me (it might be) or are the birds very quiet at the moment? Have been awake around dawn for the last two mornings, and it just seemed spookily quiet. I'm hoping it was just that I was too late for it or something.

I find there are a number of points when cycling around town that confusion of this sort occurs. These weird tabletops, as Dadof4 says, cycling lanes that cross busy pedestrian paths with only markings on the ground (e.g. crossing Lancaster Place from Wellington street), ditto cycling contraflows etc. In a way, it doesn't really matter who technically had right of way, and who knows the correct Highway code, the real issue is poor design. You shouldn't have to know the code inside out to navigate the streets safely, it should be obvious and intuitive. Or maybe it's more that you just can't *expect* that people will know all the rules and regs, and be constantly alert all the time, so should design it so it doesn't matter. It's definitely always annoying when a pedestrian steps out though, is in the wrong, and then get shirty. But I think it partly happens because people get defensive when feeling unsafe or under threat and especially if they might be in the wrong. It seems to be human nature! I know I'm not immune to this. Not sure that helps with finding a solution though! Apart from maybe working with people like the London Cycling Campaign to ask councils and TFL for better design in this area maybe?

I know I've recommended Andy before in the past, but just had an excellent massage from him that has really helped with post running (half marathon training) muscle soreness. Had very sore hip/glutes, and the pain is now almost gone! Which feels pretty miraculous right now. Recommended especially for anyone who did the marathon at the weekend, can't imagine how achy you guys must be :)

Also went yesterday, and would second everything people have said about the space, it looks great and feels very comfortable. Had a nice slice of Guinness cake and a drink there too. Food prices not cheap, but the snack selection is pretty impressive. On booking fees etc, I think the membership is a no brainer: no booking fee, money off tickets and drinks/food, free couple of tickets, would pay for itself pretty quickly. Otherwise yes, the ticket prices do sound steep, especially if calling rather than booking online, but I think most people using it would take up membership? Mind you, won't be forsaking the Peckham Plex, seeing the Avengers there today because it's not only cheaper, but I have a feeling it will be more fun.

Tried this on Sunday, was a great route, despite a couple of diversions where I took a wrong turn. It was a bit grim coming back from Kings Cross all cold and sweaty, but I have a long and involved warm up to avoid injury flare ups (that I'm completely paranoid about!) and thought I'd be better doing that at home and starting right away, rather than trying to do this on the side of the canal. Considering trying it the other way around next week though.

Thanks Rahrahrah! Definitely going to try that one, it looks like exactly what I was after. Is 12 miles to Kings Cross along that route, so can just get the 63 back, perfect.

Thanks both. I agree about the hills, I was including hills on previous runs, but have developed a glute issue that is seriously exacerbated by running uphill (and isn't going to be easily fixed before race day) so I don't think I'd make it round any of those routes without a lot of pain! Hence looking for flat routes. Will have a look at runkeeper routes though, cheers.

Any runners out there that can suggest good routes about 12 miles long to or from here? Training for an imminent half marathon and struggling to find a route that is nice, fairly flat, and is ideally circular (but doesn't have to be). Was wondering about starting from Richmond Park and running back, maybe through Wimbledon Common, but I don't know it well, especially where to go after that point. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I have found it very useful to use gmail contacts to manage/sync all my phone contacts when transferring between phones. But then if you end up with loads of contacts with just email addresses, I think you should be able to filter your contact list so that it only shows people with phone numbers by default? So you still have all the contacts, but don't have so many to wade through when you want to use your phone as an actual phone.

It still says you can book via email on the front page under "new ways to book appointments", they should take that down if not true! I signed up for the "patient access" system but haven't tried to book an appointment through this yet, has that worked for anyone?

Pissed off? Hardly, have had weeks (months even) of free membership that gets continually extended the longer they take to open. It gets me discounts at shops/restaurants/the other Picturehouses. Excellent value. Can't understand why people are getting exercised about it.

Has anyone ever tried laying a mix of paving and creeping thyme or similar to fill the gaps? I've given up on reseeding my patchy lawn each year and want to try something different, but want a bit of greenery and don't want full paving. When I read about paving online it mostly assumes you want to pave the whole thing so suggests laying down hardcore, using mortar and grouting around the stones etc. But if I want a mix, can I get away with laying stones into soil and planting around it? Or will they shift about too much? If so, what's the best thing to do? Any advice very welcome! Thank you in advance. Also if anyone has any suggestions for container plants that will last for years, that would be much appreciated.

Is this online booking system new? Has anyone had any success with it? From the DMC website: "When demand on the phone lines is very high, usually early mornings, please note that you can pre-book appointments on the Patient Access at https://patient.emisaccess.co.uk Once you have registered and have your log in, you will need to provide the practice with your ID to complete the process. This is the national system where you will soon be able to view your own medical records, send us a secure message and update your personal information. You can also email to us directly at [email protected] for appointments or any query regarding DMC Crystal Palace Road."

There was a vintage clothes sale advertised on here a while back, and the company offered to sell on your behalf. Betty something? Found it http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?6,1460433,1460433#msg-1460433

I'm no fan of wayward children either, but not sure what that's got to do this thread. Anyway, standing by previous comments, I think I've explained why I said that. Have a nice day everyone. MissMadMoo Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Katanita, One could equally level your point > about irresponsible dog owners at parents of > wayward childeren...

You basically said that it was almost entirely the parent's fault and misrepresented their argument which you called utterly ridiculous. Two posts down you gave the impression that this was just all banter. If that's the case, that's basic trolling, which, when someone describes a distressing experience, seems like the kind of thing a not very nice person would do. And as I think my post made clear, it can be a very distressing experience with lasting consequences. If you weren't just trolling, I apologise for calling you that, but maybe a little sensitivity wouldn't go amiss? Is it that hard to be constructive about criticism if you disagree with someone? Even if the parent reacts calmly, it could still be a nasty experience for the child, but I don't know what they can do about that. Some (not all, or even most) dog owners just seem to have little understanding of what it's like from the other side and are unwilling to put dogs on a lead even if they have no control over them. Dulwichdarling Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Yes I would. I would say this all in person. In > fact I have done, I am not a 'w**nker' as you put > it. I merely think that the post was ridiculous. > We are all entitled to our own opinions are we > not. > I do not need to spend time thinking about what > kind of person I am thanks for the suggestion > though but maybe you could take it on board too, > calling someone a 'w**nker' is pretty over the top > for the likes of East dulwich forum is it not?

When I was about 3 or 4 I was knocked over by an over friendly boxer dog who then started licking my face. It was pretty terrifying, I thought I was being attacked. My mother's fairly hysterical reaction (whilst understandable) probably compounded it. Because of this experience I was terrified of big dogs off the lead until well into my teens, when I became best friends with someone who had lots of dogs, and grew to understand their signals and more about how to interact with them. But until that point, it was horrible walking through parks with lots of dogs. It would be great if people who aren't able to control their dogs took more care about when to let them off the lead. Given that that's unlikely to change, I think the best thing is to make sure your kids spend time around dogs and get to know them, and try not to react with fear yourself when something happens. Sounds like that's what you're trying to do. I also think that when someone posts a very measured and reasonable post like OPs it's sad that there is still some w**ker like Dulwichdarling trying to stir up trouble and make them feel bad. Would you do that to a stranger in a face to face conversation Dulwichdarling? If so, maybe spend some time thinking about what kind of person you are.

From the Londonist today http://londonist.com/2015/02/where-to-eat-and-drink-in-waterloo-restaurants-breakfast-lunch-bars-pubs-waterloo.php?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Londonist&utm_content=Where%20To%20Eat%20And%20Drink%20In...%20Waterloo. Had an ok meal at Tas recently, bit hit and miss.

Airbnb can sometimes be for the whole apartment, not looked at what's available on there locally though. Parents stayed at the Victoria Inn recently and it was fine.

Not eaten in yet. I did ask whether you could bring back the cartons for refilling and they said yes, they hoped people would. Should offer a discount if you do... Still hoping they start offering a wider range of non-meat options too, bit sparse so far when I've been in.

Just had my birthday dinner at Hisar's. It may not be the fanciest, but it's fun, has big tables, and the food is (mostly) generous and tasty and good value.

Oh good to know re Flying Pig. Big screen? Good crowd? Mick Mac Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Flying Pig was excellent last night and > recommended for further fixtures. Blyth Tavern > forest hill for the Irish games is good too. In > fact, I was there today.

House Of Tippler is showing the games, saw a sign outside today. Maybe just on a corner tv, couldn't quite tell though.

Sigh, any chance this could stay on topic? I can think of few discussions more boring than the relative merits of different sports, if you don't like it, don't watch it. Or start an actually relevant thread to have it out in.

Anyone try out any of the suggestions for yesterday's (great) game and have any thoughts about good venues? Also missing Hoopers.