Jeremy

?x4 - as I conceded, it is a simplistic argument. Not everything should be run by the state of course - I think you realise I am no socialist, in many cases the private sector is better equipped. But in the case of healthcare... it's an essential service we all depend on, demand is constant/predictable, and geography often nullifies competition in the market. miga - not really convinced by many of your arguments, no reason on earth why the NHS shouldn't have efficient supply chains. You suggest that the private sector has a more streamlined workforce, but the government have spent vast sums of money on consultancy to try and achieve exactly this. So what is intrinsically efficient about the private sector, that the NHS cannot repliace? Yes of course the quality of the service is important, but value for money for the taxpayer is also crucial.

KK's link not working... I can't see any new application on http://planningonline.southwark.gov.uk

I know this is simplistic thinking, but I just don't get how outsourcing services to profit making companies can possibly be better value. The private sector doesn't possess some sort of magic which allows them to deliver a better service at a cheaper price AND also make a profit.

Meanwhile, four tourists who (admittedly, stupidly) stripped naked on a mountain in Malaysia are in court. Apparently accused of causing an earthquake, by angering the spirits of the mountain.

aquarius moon Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If you personally haven't experienced something > yet, doesn't mean it won't happen, so why not keep > an open mind? > In case it does. It's not such a great argument IMO. We all rule things out that we consider impossible or ridiculous.. to one degree or another. Are you open to the idea of it raining custard tomorrow, across the whole of South London? Or turning into a wombat on the stroke of midnight?

Out of interest Louisa, how did you find out about these sightings around Sternhall Lane? And how did the witnesses deduce that this individual had worked at Heaton's Folly?

Damn... that game looks good. Wish I'd bought it back in 2013 before the baby came along...

root - it's about the right tool for the right job. Hoover for spiders, cat for mice.

The problem is, if the deterrent of the fine proves ineffective, they'll start using some sort of gate/token system. That wouldn't be good...

Otta Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Wasn't it a griffin? Perhaps in these times of austerity, the wise owl would be a better choice than the needlessly flamboyant griffin?

Loz Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I'm gonna go for a nag, here.. Only one person is allowed to nag me, Loz. And it ain't you!

miga Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Jeremy Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > > Food was a bit grim though! > What, even compared to NHS food? Yep! I'd take an NHS "microwave meal" over the super-bland Italian hospital food any day. And breakfast was just "biscottate" and coffee (although I accept that's just because Italians don't know what breakfast is). Loz Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Jeremy!! Five minute of your time and it lasts for five years. Do it now!!! I know I know. I will before I go to Euroland again...

I'm basically in the "what's so special about the NHS?" camp. That isn't to say it's a bad system, but not convinced it's any better than comparable western European countries. I was actually hospitalised for 10 days in Italy last year. Some of the gear seemed a bit retro compared to what they have in Kings, but standard of care was absolutely fine. Small wards with plenty of nurses. I stupidly didn't have an EHIC card (and stupidly still don't) but the hospital somehow sorted it out. Food was a bit grim though!

In Science, apparent contradictions are treated as discoveries, which lead to new knowledge. Our theories are refined, and built upon. The apparent paradox of "action at a distance" is actually a great example of this... when you discover something which contradicts what you previously believed, then your theories are either incorrect, or only hold true in certain circumstances. So you refine. You grow. What is the equivalent in religion? You slowly remove the parts of it that no longer fit a modern worldview. Tales which are clearly absurd become recategorised as "metaphorical". Moral teachings which are now found abhorrent are quietly ignored. You pick and choose the bits you like. Not all abstract social constructs are equal..

Louisa Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Ballykissangel > Brushstrokes > Howard's Way Those shows aren't that old! You must be younger than I thought.

*Bob* Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > How's it done? Love to get some tips from those > who've managed it. Try repeating the same old meaningless rubbish on every thread ad nauseam, regardless of topic. And also start a few new threads specifically for this purpose.

I imagine Salsaboy was just making a little joke. Cycling seems like pretty much the best way of getting around... but I'm just far too much of a chicken to cycle in London. The only people I know of who drive into central London for work are either posers with fancy cars, or people needing to start very early / finish very late.

Byron is far better than GBK. The cheapest burger and fries comes to ?10, so similar price to GBK or any of the local pubs. Shame we don't have anywhere nearby to get a decent burger (other than Burger Bear at the Nun's Head a couple of times a week, as MrBen mentioned).

Just wanted to echo MrBen's recommendation for Deliveroo. It opens up a few new options if you're sick of the usual choice between curry/chinese/pizza. On Saturday we had a delivery from Kitchen 54. Chicken & waffles, wings, and a couple of salads.

Just trying to decypher all that. So you think the process of thought is purely imaginary? And therefore your conclusion is that we cannot dismiss the potential value of other imaginary concepts? I'd partly agree with the conclusion, even if its based in a flawed premise. Nobody should totally "dismiss" any major religion, it is hard to deny the vast historical and cultural significance. The mythology of the past, the role is played in society and the art, music, architecture, etc that it inspired are, IMO, worthy of respect. But beliefs which have no basis other than historical continuity are not.

I basically agree with everything root said (even if I would have put it slightly differently). Whether we're talking about homeopathy, religion, ghosts, or any other supernatural/magic phenomenon.. the only thing that supports any of it, is that people want it to be true. "How can you prove this DOESN'T exist" is a poor defence of any belief. If you can't do better than that, then surely you must have doubts in your own mind?

Well some improvements are subjective LM, but in this particular case I do agree with you.

Obliterate them with anti-aircraft fire. Ought to do the job.

You are right Fox, and it kinda annoys me when someone living here five minutes is saying "get rid of Iceland!", or "how many salons does Peckham need?" But at the same time there's no excuse for letting your property fall into such a state of utter decay.