Jeremy

I'm sure things have slowed down, but you shouldn't try to draw any real conclusions in the middle of the summer holidays. And FFS... if an estate agent comes round and tells you he'll get X for your flat... it doesn't mean it's actually true!!

Surely they're two different things... putting measures in place to support kids who've taken a wrong turn, and protecting society from violent or threatening behaviour. Quite obviously there's a need for both. They're not mutually exclusive.

Of course everyone agrees (I think) that society has an obligation to protect children from negligent or abusive parents. But without knowing anything about the background of the current lot hanging around the playground, it's impossible to say whether better social services funding would have sorted them out. And very odd to assume that posters on this thread are guilty of tax avoidance...

Great suggestion. If me or my family ever get any grief from these kids, I'll explain to them that I pay my fair share of tax in full via the PAYE mechanism, and maybe they should find a self employed plumber, IT contractor, or tory voter to hassle instead. That should settle things.

DulwichFox Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I would not call them Chefs. They are Celebrity Cooks. Like the majority of TV cooks, then!

3 little piggies Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > When my two were small I found the teens > intimidating and unapproachable and now mine are > 13 and 14 they are part of that 'set'. Your kids also bully younger children?

So surely just as the city is not for everyone, neither are the rolling hills and agricultural odours of Herefordshire. I would agree that some people appear to have an over-inflated opinion of ED. But that doesn't mean it's a bad place to live, or that anyone who hasn't cashed in and upped sticks is a mug. If you want to live in London and can't/won't spend over a million for a house... it's as good an option as any.

Seems to me like Picturehouse membership offers pretty decent value for money, and if they all sold out then there's clearly no need for freebies to get the ball rolling.

To be fair, I think everybody is struggling to understand your point! Different people like different things, isn't it as simple as that?

Otta Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > My God, if someone threatened to punch my daughter > I'd have to bite down really hard on something. > And I'm not a tough violent type, but FFS! One of these days he'll incur the wrath of a 6'3 rugby-playing dad, who will be less reluctant than you or I to kick the living crap out of the kid on the spot. And I wouldn't blame him for one second. Saying that, quite possible that he's in need of some serious help (preferably the kind that involes a straitjacket).

I am still struggling with the shock relevation that someone prefers the countryside to London, and thinks property in London is very expensive. It's like everything I thought to be true is now in crumbling ruins.

Threatening to punch a six year old girl? That signs like the actions of a disturbed individual. So, does anyone still think this is just normal "boys will be boys" stuff?

So let me get this right. Some people live in cities (even though it can be expensive) because of things like jobs, facilities, culture, socialising, etc. While others prefer to live in the countryside where there is more space and the scenery is more pleasant. Does that sum it up?

OK thanks for clarifying. Just wanted to make sure I understood the main thrust of your anecdote.

Rolo Tomasi Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > And sends you information on trading times and > special offers via text. Apparently. Oh... you mean to say... your dealer doesn't have an iPhone and Android app?

Louisa Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I've been a few times to Brockley market, it has a > great vibe to the place. You'd hate it if it was in ED!

Please no...

cmon, it's not the end of the world. Quite a few posters have been encouraging, and at least we all know when the shop's opening, should we find ourselves in the area and a bit peckish. Besides, as far as I'm concerned, if it's in the lounge then it's fair game for a bit of off-topic conversation.

Parkdrive - so you're telling us there are parts of the country that are cheaper than London? With larger houses, fewer chicken shops, and less rubbish lying around? And people living there who are happy?

What sort of disruption do you think it will cause?

What the hell is a "couscous bar"?

What... you mean you're not convinced by the idea of asking the local thugs to teach the little kiddies about goalkeeping?

Too late... your rep is ruined!

Otta Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > My point is that it's easy to dismiss a kebab > shop, but find a good one where the food is > prepared with passion, and you're on to a great > thing. Otta's gone all foodie on us! Tell us, are his ingredients locally sourced?

Sutton... good schools apparently. Loads of the people from my office seem to live round there for that reason...