legalbeagle

Oh and Otta you're right, I'm not making a point about sexism. It's about celebrity. Although violence against women by men is of course far more common.

"Reeva Steenkamp shot dead by disabled boyfriend who is now charged with her murder". Why haven't we read that headline? Because celebrity is more important than anything. Because even in death, a bright talented woman cannot be accorded equal status to her boyfriend if he's famous. Is this a story about running fast or about murder? The extent to which we are happy to peer at his fall from grace, and not care at all how she is devalued, plastered across front pages in a bikini, is shocking. And of course I only know her name because media mentioned it. What a non point that is. I only know his name through media too.

No, you've just made a "joke" about the death of a young woman, which makes you not so much confused as an utter prick.

Unsurprisingly all the men contributing to this thread seem to have missed the point.

Her name was not "Oscar Pistorius's Girlfriend". Her name was Reeva Steenkamp. *Slump*

Sorry to hear that Huggers. So glad he just handed them over and wasn't hurt. Still a very upsetting thing for him though so I hope he is ok.

I read 50 Shades (had to, I was reviewing it). It is a really truly bad piece of writing. And time I will never get back. But it is testament to how many women are interested in mild BDSM. Which incidentally was considered a mental illness until very recently. How weird is that!

Can't get a babysitter that night, unfortunately. Hope I'll see you all next time. X

NOT A WEDNESDAY! I beg you chief. Any other day, any place. X

Innit tho.

Gimme - really really good idea. Parking is much needed and there is a huge empty space nearby...... No brainer, I'd say!

At least we've agreed it's a religion now and not just an idiocy..... And don't get it wrong Hugeunot, lots of Pagans/Wiccans/Witches have a sense of humour. They've had to have. As, I'm sure, you must too. In fact I'm reliably informed by a mutual friend that you are actually quite nice. And since she's truly a lovely person I'm going to go with that judgement. I feel sure that side of your personality will burst through on this thread at any moment, along with all your seasonal cheer (even though you were just very rude to the extremely lovely Brum. *Tut*) Happy Yule folks!

Not that simple sadly. Some will share, not others. Seemingly random allocation.

Just NOT a joke you'd make to a Hindu, or a Jew, or or or..... Shame on you.

I have bought some apps for my kids kindle fires for xmas. I can only download some of the apps on each one. I can't download all of them on to both. When I try, out of desperation, to repurchase with each device I'm told I can't because I've already bought it so it'll be in my library. I go to my library and it's not there. Please help before I set fire to both the feckin things and buy a wooden top for each of my children. I am about to cry. Or break something. Grrrrrr!!

Such a shame, isn't it. And so typical. We can't have a sensible grown up discussion about anything these days without resorting to insults, name calling and rudeness. Yes, some religions are exclusive. I find that difficult and don't like it. But a declaration that all religion is nonsense is also exclusive. I find that difficult and don't like it either. No one speaking for Wiccans, or any other religious group in this thread, has asked for anything other than information, tolerance and restraint. We have received in turn rudeness, insults, a lack of respect and a label of "dangerous nightmare nonsense". It's clear to me, on this thread at least, who the tolerant group is and who has a closed and angry mind. It's a sad thing to encounter in religious and secular life alike. Happy Yule.

Well, if you don't mind, I'll respectfully disagree, both with the above definition of Wicca and the unnecessarily abusive references. And try to be kinder if you can manage it. The best thing about freedom of speech and religious practice is when it is exercised with thought and sensitivity. Insults aren't necessary and I doubt you'd be rude enough to use them face to face. Have a happy Christmas. (Which has its roots in Pagan festivals, as I'm sure you know.)

Why would that be insulting? Plenty of wiccans consider Wicca an ancient and established religion, and many practice witchcraft and belong to covens.

Nice to see the piss taking religious bigotry alive and well! Happy Yule!

Actually, lots of women: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperemesis_gravidarum One of my friends had this, it was really really awful. Wouldn't wish it on anyone.

And nothing in November? My birthday month? More and copious sadness.........

Oh. Another Wednesday, so I'm out. : (((((

Having taken part in several rent review negotiations on the Lane one way or another, I can tell you Otta is right. "What the chains will pay" is used in negotiations, leading to indies closing or taking on rents they will never really be able to afford. The only way to control it is to have a policy decision at LA level that there will be a mix of chains/indies, so that when the chain percentage is used up, the threat can no longer be used. Rather like they do at the moment with policy decisions about retail -v- food/bar outlets.

That was FUN. And brilliant. Very proud to be British today.

So much better than the Olympic Ceremony. Totes fabulously Mad Maxingly Paganly Quietly Subversively Bonkers. Loved it. And you know, Coldplay fan or not, they got the place rocking. And Rhi Rhi had clothes on for a change. It's all good stuff peeps.