SeanMacGabhann

That's an excellent example you raise there James - I thought that case was outrageous. In previous debates I think I have mentioned that you can read more into a situation than there is but that case left me speechless

Given that the thread was used as recently July, could we not have resurrected it rather than start a new one? I'm not being pedantic - it's just when one is trying to reference older posts about a topic it's helpful to find them in the same thread rather than scrabble about Anyway - on topic - I've never been her biggest fan - I think she is a bit of a political hack. And an opportunistic one at that. But I'm not sure I have much to add to what was said at the Tooting Town Hall meeting, erm... I mean original thread Is there a link to the article online or are you paraphrasing to back up your original statement? ;-)

They really are the best aren't they. Agree with everything else you said about TNH as well - it's probably my most regular Sunday Roast destinantion. Although the beef when it's on at the Duke probably edges it

I'm with Cassius on this one - because it isn't like anywhere else I'm quite enjoying it. Of course, by itself, not-being-like-anywhere-else isn't enough - they could let nettles grow through the floor "just to be different" but I doubt it would endear the place to me. I'm not dismissing SCSB79's view either. I had a great time last Wednesday but by the time I was leaving, the place was emptying and it did look a little gloomy and forlorn which might put off passing trade. I like it but can understand if not everyone does.

Unless they are William Burroughs' books. In which case you'll be none the wiser

Read verbatim by the compere (Joe) at the EDT comedy last night to considerable applause - take a bow Mr Q

speaking of South Africans who definitely are NOT swine, where the heck is Brendan these days?

The electorate has far more say than they want Elect your MP of choice and then make sure they know who you are. No point electing someone and then sitting back for 4-5 years. As a population we is well lazy Not sure i fancy living in Switzerland either ;-)

I've watched that film 5 times to date. An overlooked gem PS - rather than posting a link directly to the post, click on the icon juuuuust above with a globe and paperclip - got it? Click on that and then paste the link into the dialog box. Press Return and then you can type a wee description of what is is - otherwise everthing just comes out as www.youtube.com And no idea what delights await!!

spooky Ok, this one JUST for Giggirl

Whatever the flaws, and I can't think of a better system, it is the paradox at the heart of any democracy History has shown that at times of change/need/cause/whatever - leadership has had to do things that would be deemed unpopular. But so led are we by "opinion polls" and fear of being voted out I blame the electorate far more than any political party for the paralysis of any true thought in government

Oh yes - hysterical "I've an old-fashioned house, and an old-fashioned wife, I'm an old fashioned millionaire" Cocaine not involved. No siree. No way Jos?. etc etc

another song much on my mind today "millions weep a fountain, just in case of sunrise"

gigirl - I meant to say - thanks for posting good choices tonight and prompting me to make an effort I LOVE that Dance Me To The End of Love

MM - cross posted with your in reply to ???? As I previously said - I agree with what you are saying. I believe the windfall tax to be a clumsy excercise. And I find no fault with your logic - although when you say I'm not sure the CBI would agree with you. Erm... us. Whatever. I meant to discuss with you in more detail at the Duke but was detained elsewhere. Good to see you however

In advance of his gig at the Borderline this week, and his appearance at the End of the Road festival next weekend

swift reply Mr pounds I made no claims for the efficacy of British Gas. I just pointed out the disparity between profits and consumers. Where I buy cd's, books, beer, gambling chips is my choice. Heat/energy wise I have ostensible "choice" - but no control Broken boilers are as much of a problem now as the 70s - I would argue more so. Rely on the insurance by the profit-making behemoths? Hmmmm. Get an emergy fix in? Sweet baby moses!!! What unions did back in the 70's isn't REALLY pertinent to the current situation. But thanks for putting your argument through the Littlejohn-ometer first

So, given the latest news This one nothing to Do with Alistair Darling or whelk stalls Can libertarians answer the question: Just why is it that the 2 governments most closely aligned with the free market and libertarian ideals (at least compared with any serious contenders) both feel the need to nationalise these banks?

I have used all of the cashpoints on LL several consistently every week including twice this weekend. As yet, still nothing Whatever method is being used I don't thing JUST using cashpoints is sufficient - I could just be lucky I guess. But as a counterpart to several "I'm worried to use the cashpoints now..." type posts I thought I would just mention

That late night post from AcedOut at the back of Kebab & Wine redefines "poignant" - I'm guessing that the lack of further posting meant beer, food and company were all located Great to meet people, regulars and new alike - but as already mentioned a special big up to the Duke. We've been to places that looked after us before (take a bow Hoopers and the FHT) and places that, well, didn't (I'm looking at you Uplands) but the Duke said they would do some sample food for us and they delivered waaaay beyond expectations. From gazpacho, to canap?s - and then onto fish and beef pies - all of them were ridiculously good quality. It was a real treat to have so much good stuff and I can't thank Nick at the Duke enough. The bar staff were all on good form and enjoyed plenty of banter all night so well done them too (and I'm only slightly in love with at least one of them...) Most of us walked from the Duke onto EDT after the Duke's closing time but by then I was fading - although I did note that Ray clocked us when we went in and sorted out some drinks as well - nice one Ray A couple of young bucks decided to try the Adventure bar and their faces when they saw it was closed was priceless ;-) One last reminder. The Duke. Go there. It's fab. I will blame you personally if we lose it. So go. Often

Anna. If you get 63 from city it stops about 75 yards away from the duke. First stop after rye hotel

Book Thief didn't do it for me - I read it and enjoyed reading it mostly - but it never really moved me. It did inspire me to write the following in an effort to get others in the book club to hurry up reading the feckin thing ~ A Whispered Suggestion to Hurry Up ~ I have noticed before how some humans take longer than others. I am not part of this human's immediate future but sometimes, as now, I like to linger and read over their shoulder

And that's before you starttalking about what it was like to be a black or Irish person walking the "safe" streets of London

I agree with you on this for the most part. Where I differ is that I don't see the supply of utilities as a business. Turning it into a business model can be done and was done... but I'm not sure it's the right thing It sure would - but at a relatively permanent large cost to the treasury - why give everyone a tax break for this one need I agree with this too - but funnily enough finding a way of ensuring everyone has a "reasonable" income requires a hell of a lot more work - in fact over the last few decades it's being going the other way. When a government trys to impose a pittance of a minimum wage, companies are up in arms about how it's going to put them all out of business (it didn't did it?) The fact is some old people are going to die this winter because they can't afford to put the heater on - they will be found in several layers of clothes, and in their beds - but dead they will be. What the government is proposing is a very clumsy and inefficient way of trying to stop at least some of those deaths. And I can see why, even discounting the fact that it might be playing to the public. I agree there must be a better way of doing this - but if you have your hand on ALL of the levers you have to find a balance - that's the reality http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/E6904EA890784AD6A1948DC77B832216.asp Basically MM I agree with you - but find the analysis a touch (and forgive me for this!) cold, when the problem is more pressing. If people are dying of cold when the fuel companies are paying out large dividends and profits then it's a fairly simple equation .