SeanMacGabhann

Tony You clearly have a problem, specifically with black people on the surface- but you are too cowardly to say as much ("I will leave you to guess titter titter" etc - and yes you were talking about areas not race but I can read the subtext) You have such a problem that you stereotype other people - let me take you around the poor (Asian) community of East Ham.. let me take you around the poor (White) community of Edinburgh - equal presence of violence and in many cases intimidation. Cultural inheritance may play a part in behaviour but no race or colour is pre-disposed to violence. Interesting that you say you and your friends wanted to "improve their lives" and "left London accordingly". Most people from around the country, and the world come to London specifically to improve their lives. What you have/want is a mono-culture. Despite professing respect for law-abiding Bangladeshi's you didn't move to an area with many of them did you. And I would be interested to see how the Kent 'burbs would take to an influx of Bangladeshi people

tonys comment about the future of london not being orange bothers me the most

To paraphrase Keeler, "well he WOULD say that wouldn't he" And to quote someone else from the forum earlier - the admissions at hospitals are more reliable than the police figures as crimes may be unreported but serious wounds tend to get treated

Nice way to uphold your maxim of free speech and free thought mad world Natasha. . Just so we are clear you think this is because people are black? And that if we check those other more violent european cities we will find its black people there? Is that what you are saying? You are definitely not saying that the problem may be one of. . . Say poverty?

ratty - good spot Apologies - I saw the link on the side of the Peckham story. My fault entirely! @Brendan - you KNOW I'm not saying everything is rootin tootin' dandy - I'm just saying that if our parents managed to bring us up, and their parents managed etc etc, without instilling the fear that exists in the papers at the moment then so should we. It's not a good thing that people are getting killed but it's not a sudden glitch in the matrix If we want to tackle a problem then we need to agree on what it is. If we think things are getting worse when they aren't, we have mis-diagnosed teh problem and will end up with a half-assed solution

Well the answer to that question, looking at human history, would apparently be "never". But to echo those who have called for perspective - it is relatively limited and not getting worse

And for those thinking of moving to Portsmouth Portsmouth news

why oh why oh spells YoYo No offence to your profession Natasha (we can all blame the sub-editors right?) but I have completely given up relying on reportage after an incident of any type. The Stockwell shooting is another example where reporters quoted witnesses who variously all said multiple, contradictory things. (which makes the witnesses unreliable I guess, not the reporters) Aaanyway.... we are all speculating and the information coming out is spotty so I would leave it alone. All sympathy to the victim and her family etc. What it's boiling down to for most people I guess is Are things Out Of Control and Are We Going To Be Stabbed Ourselves? As a gambling man, I'm saying no. Just a hunch. Anyone fancy a pint at the Montpelier and a walk back to Freirn Rd tonight?

I was offered a free upgrade to the Nokia N95 8 gig last week - wasn't sure as it's a bit top-heavy but having used it for a week it's been a joy so far. Especially compared to the constant heartache that was the N... pause for a bit... 7.... pause for another bit......3

Heard at the weekend, from Tricky's new album, a cover of Kylie's "Slow" I liked it. A lot (not on youtube as yet - follow enough linkage and you should be able to download for free from here)

I think they (racism and homophobia) are as bad as each other still James Had you posted your experience I'm sure we would have rallied to your offence... er defence! Doesn't mean idots with all manner of prejudice aren't out there. And if it's any consolation I've had the same insults slung at me. Whislt walking with my girlfriend... I don't know if that makes it worse or better!

That is soooo offensive to those of us with ACTUAL middle-age spread!! * If Mockney Piers is allowed to claim he has "middle-aged spread" then I'm claiming I have.... well I'm not claiming anything. but Pur-leeeease!!!! * inappropriate and gratuitous use of the word "offensive" there

Nowt wrong with being a man-hugger either ;-) Did you really miss the whole "insipid" thing Piers - I'm so glad I rose above it and didn't respond. Oh hang on....

Can I be first to abstain from name-tags???I fear spangles may target me with a deadly weapon!

Surely there is more than sufficient attractive ladies at the forum drinks as it is - I hardly need to drum up any more! I am merely an inveterate hugger (I blame Piers) But muffintop should come anyway - so should everyone! (Apart from the two gobshites on the bus obviously!)

It doesn't matter what I would want to say, I would have been rendered speechless upon hearing it * checks calender * Yep it's definitely 2008. Come along to the drinks on Friday and have a forum group hug

Nice one Georgia - I did wonder about where they were going to fit us if the weather turned. So who else is coming to this one - we were blessed with several first-timers last drinks - are we seeing any returns or any other first-timers? Marmora Man - this is a stone's throw for you and you promised to show up last time PS - Georgia - is the 2-person events committee now just 1-person. Or is The Other One just a silent-partner these days?

nice one blinder - cheers

he didn't want to be "distracted" according to Mark Radcliffe - I was well gutted

Chav... shhhh don't tell ????. He might be tempted. At the moment he's choosing the forum as a prism and not an adjunct ;-) On topic - because I can wander up to Nisha's shop in my sweats of a Sunday morning, bump in to Chav and her granddaughter, have a chat about immigration, boyfriends, parties, ice-cream and tattoos and... just feel better than I did 5 minutes before. And 5 minutes before was pret-tay good

I have major residual affection for the guy but I believe this to be true. I don't hear much in the way of replacement for him however. We'll miss them when they are gone etc Radio-wise, I think commentating is in decent nick. But TV... Martin Tyler and Andy Gray remain the best of the bunch. Even if Gray is losing it

Surely the "right" result for any tournament. The best team stood up, answered every question and won. I feel 43% more spanish tonight as a consequence Piers. . May the night be long, fun and worth however many years its been

Good shout that ???? Thinking about it tho...3 years ago hmmm? Maybe we HAVE had a dink together already ....

oooh I dunno - potential for even more fun! That said - tribes don't interest me at all. I may be easily classifiable at the moment but I'm sure if enough people do so loudly enough, I would shape-shift and materialise as something else (with the same values. of course. they are not for negotiation)

The AMOUNT of self-editing going on on this thread... sheesh