Nigello

While it is important to be charitable it is also important to not be fooled or cheated - if only to prevent others from being so. Assuming everyone is mentally ill is dangerous and patronising and stands in the way of getting at the truth and ultimately helping that person. (I have seen the man and he seems, on the whole, lucid and reasonably fit and the kind of person who could avail himself of usual routes to help - the embassy, charities, etc. I tried to talk to him but he carried on shouting about his plight so I couldn't talk to him further.)

I agree with intexas - even if a limited amount of traffic were allowed to return it would make it better for the other, smaller, less protected roads. Agreed - fewer motor vehicle movements would be better for all, but only individuals can make that choice. Over to you, drivers and motorcyclist and vespa riders....!

[email protected] - You could try emailing people here and CCing Cllr Barber.

Pared

Rears

I see parents with children (being carried, in a pram/buggy, or dragged) crossing roads all over the shop. The worst is when they get off a bus and then peer around the back of it to try to assess whether it is safe to cross, when the crossing is just a few yards away. What gives?

Is this at all to do with the bridge at Denmark Hill station? Would not the reopening of that bridge help traffic move more smoothly and efficiently? (I do not have a car, scooter, bike or cycle.)

Battery

Does pushing the button always mean the lights will change faster? In central London plenty of people don't do so, which I find a bit annoying but then I wonder whether - at most times of the day and evening - the crossing is automatically regulated. In quieter places like ED, it would be annoying if people just stand there without activating the crossing, I agree. (I really think some people don't know how to use them.)

Reopen it! It is fairer for all.

Slade (a real word!)

Channel

On the Boots website I found this: http://www.boots.com/boots-for-business/corporate-flu-jab-service I do not know whether it is only corporate clients that get the four-strain version. My chemist said that this year's included the Australian strain but I am not clear whether it meant it was in addition to the other three.

I like it but I cannot place it. What is the address?

I have seen a bit of movement in there - literally, some men moving stuff about, but that was more than two months ago. I hope it does open and does well, eventually.

FYI, a gas engineer told me that it is best to keep all rads (if they have thermostats) to about 3-4 rather than whacked right up to 6. I find that my thermostat on the wall of the coolish hall, set at 19C, makes all rooms pleasantly warm. If it is really cold I leave the heating on at about 15C all day and it stays warm. (PS I switched to Bulb. If you want to join and get ?50 of credit (which, if you ask them, they will put into your debit card account) drop me a line with an email address.)

Yeah, and whilst we're at it, just piss up against a wall as we're tagging our sub-literate scrawl on the art there, cos, like, it's cool to do so!

Yeah, so let's destroy it!

The EU is in a tricky spot regarding Madrid v Barcelona. If it steps in, it looks like an "interferer" but if it doesn't it risks letting other restive separatist/nationalist movements getting ideas. Could Northern Italy secede? What about Scotland, Corsica and parts of Belgium?

I was quoting a previous poster. I would love to hear more.

On the other hand, there?s an interesting discussion to be had about the spontaneity of graffiti occurring on a managed piece of street art. ......

I would your local councillor. There is a type of clear varnish that will protect paint. I heard the council may think it hazardous, but it is widely available and will have been put through all the right tests, so I don't buy it. (If you search it online you will find it is about ?25. I think a few cans of this paid for by Cleaner, Greener Southwark would be useful.) Glad that you informed the police because they may be able to build up a profile. FYI, the council will remove tagging from property that is private if you sign a waiver: 020 7525 2000 for the environment department, I think.

Drive

Trade

maybe the kids need regular reminders about road safety as part of the school curriculum. Good idea - give the school a ring?