Jeremy

Thanks beagle (although less of the 'old', if you don't mind!).

But seriously... Nunhead Bodger... are you some sort of sculptor or artist, or something?

And for those of you whose browsers don't display that properly (i.e. Firefox...)

London airports seem to be pretty much back to normal now.

Patisserie Valerie is great! Or tea at Ritz/Dorchester/Berkeley/etc if you have the cash. Sketch could also be a good bet at the top end.

Brendan Huguenot legalbeagle Sean Mac

silverfox - are you suggesting that different races are actually different species?

I think this one's going to run and run! Unfortunately criticising this macabre thread is just going to provide fuel for those who are interested in it... so if you don't want this thread to continue, just stop posting!!

ruffers Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Did they pay you as a show of gratitude for your > extra effort? Assuming they did then why would you > expect a bonus? I've never had a Christmas bonus, > never expected one, and never expect to. Not sure I agree, ruffers. Even if poor old sedgewick did get paid his standard rate for all the overtime, it doesn't necessarily compensate for working antisocial hours, or working until you are exhausted. A token of appreciation wouldn't have been a bad idea. I think some people are confusing the traditional xmas bonus/gift/hamper with jobs which pay annual performance related bonuses. Not the same thing.

Unbelievable snot, headaches, dizziness, temperature, coughs, chest pain... I've been ill pretty much constantly for about 6 weeks. I don't think it's flu though, I think I've just been unlucky enough to catch maybe 3 different strains of cold.

felt-tip - nothing exotic, just covered in cheese sauce, topped with flaked almonds and put under the grill. I made it with cashews last time, as we'd run out of almonds... was also pretty good.

My boss at work used to bite his nails. The nasty-tasting stuff to put on your nails didn't work. He actually ended up using hypnotherapy, which seems to have done the job.

Fried with bacon and chestnuts... or cooked au gratin with almonds. Lovely!

It really would add weight to your case if you could show examples of new-build flats which you feel are more sympathetic. Just stating that it's ugly is not particularly constructive!

I really hope electric (whether battery or hydrogen cell) cars take off, and I do think they will. But I (along with many others) won't be buying a battery powered car until there are plentiful charging points - or of course I have a house with a driveway. The range needs to be enough to visit friends and family, and the price needs to be affordable. I don't think that is selfish, these are just realistic requirements in my eyes. I really don't have any desire to go round in circles again, while you repeat the length of the average car journey! I don't know where you get the 'insult' thing from... nothing further to add on that one either.

Again, you are using spin in an attempt to discredit my character. Anti-environmentalism, suggestions of macho tendencies, etc. There is no basis for any of it, it's pretentious, patronising pseduo-psychology. And you wonder why I'm getting annoyed? Yes, I plucked a figure from the air (actually more from personal experience) to counter yours... sorry about the lack of a question mark, if only I had your integrity and honesty! It's no longer about the car... I could talk all day about electric cars and clean energy with somebody who is actually interested in discussing the subject. You obviously are not. You are more interested in belittling, insulting, and vilifying people who dare to have a slightly different opinion to you. Sorry, but that is just not interesting to me.

Average journey length is not the problem, so you can stop trotting that one out! I would say that round-trips of over 100 miles are not exceptional at all, it's certainly possible that even an occasional car user would want to do such a journey around 20 times a year. You say that you'd save ?2000 a year on fuel costs, but that's ignoring the fact that you have to spend an extra 10k in the car, compared to an equivalent petrol model! Not only do you argue your case using finger-in-the-air assumptions about neceesary journey lengths, you also back it up with blatantly googled info on long-range electric cars (one of which is a top end supercar, the other is a prototype). Your argument is not to be taken seriously. I am not perpetuating any myths, I've not told any lies, and I actually have quite a balanced perspective on this. I'm excited about the future of electric cars, I am simply suggesting that the technology and infrastructure is not quite ready yet. You, on the other hand, insult people by accusing them of lies, snide behaviour, and making excuses - all while putting far more spin on your argument than myself or Dickensman! Whenever the subject of motoring comes up, you think it gives you a reason to be rude and talk down to people. IT DOESN'T. I'm not really interested in discussing further - you lack the ability to debate, all you can do is argue.

Huguenot Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I think all this "I'm not getting one because > there'll be better ones in the future" malarkey is > disingenuous. > > It doesn't stop you buying a PC or a telly, why > should it apply to a car? Because current PCs and TVs are fit for purpose. This car is not. Your impassioned (and rather aggressive) defence doesn't change the fact that the car looks... you know... a bit of a dud. Promising technology, just not quite ready. Edited to say - when I say "fit for purpose", I'm talking about the average car buyer, who needs a bit more flexibility than simply a daily commute or school run.

Sorry Huggers, didn't read your previous post properly...

Huguenot Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > We shouldn't use flippant assertions to allow these people off the hook. Eh? Who shouldn't be left of the hook? Not sure I understand that one. Of course cars like this will have a small market, car manufacturers aren't generally stupid. As a second car, in a family which needs 2 cars, who have a garage with a power outlet available, and can afford to buy a compact car for the price of a Merc C class... who are prepared to sacrifice flexibility for lower fuel costs and less environmental impact. These are early days for electric cars, and as Santerme says, it won't be long before today's models look hopelessly outdated. When you can get 250 miles out of an electric car, and the cost is more like 15K, then I'm sure we'll see them catching on in a big way.

An overreaction, Huguenot. I don't think it's snide to question the wisdom of a car which costs over 20k, and is only suitable for certain types of journey. Most of us can only afford - or indeed want - one car, so need that car to be flexible. On the plus side, electric vehicles will be very reliable, and the technology will improve. But unless they can triple the capacity, speed up charging, and roll out a huge number of charging stations... battery powered cars are going to struggle. Hydrogen seems likely to provide a better solution than battery power.

Well done on getting services up and running, it was a pleasant surprise to see trains running from ED more-or-less as usual, yesterday and today.

Planning applications are all in the public domain... just google "southwark planning portal" or similar. 60A Amott Road is being converted to a daycare nursery, including a loft conversion: - Change of use to convert residential property to a day care nursery for 1-5 year old children (Class D1 use). - Provision of roof extension by way of infilling valley and rear dormer window extension to provide additional residential accommodation.

It doesn't matter how tough you are, only a small minority of people would be capable of fighting off two scabby nutters. Even if you're a big bloke who does martial arts or boxing, it's going to be difficult. Glad to hear you're up and about, it sounds like you're not letting it get you down too much. Also, thanks for posting about your experience, it's a good reminder that we should always be alert, and keep an eye out for any loitering scrotes.

OK, sorry... I take it back. Didn't mean to react badly to your post, lb. You're actually right anyway - I am a grumpy bastard! When your kids are ready for the cold, hard truth about Santa, give me a shout.