jaywalker

Louisa Wrote: > A shop with empty shelves, lorries parked on LL > despite promises this wouldn't happen, some staff > who appear untrained, a rubbish layout, relatively > small range. I could go on. I'm just stating fact > surely? That's not pessimism, it's encouraging > them to sort it out. None of the above comments > applied to the previous occupant, who so many of > you on here took joy out of slagging off. > > Louisa. I really don't recognise this picture at all. So it is interesting how our pre-dispositions inform our value-judgements (and this is NOT to say my value judgements are superior, but they are certainly different). For me the range is excellent (I've had three meals in the last three days I've not had before even though shopping at M and S in Walworth occasionally). Importantly, the quality of the food is first rate (particularly when compared to the competition). Of course the shelves were empty after the gold rush last week - but that is obviously a temporary disequilibrium. I am mystified by the criticism of delivery lorries parked in LL - this saves a lot of hassle for Chesterfield residents, no? And the lorries park north of the pedestrian crossing, so no obvious safety problem. The Co-op always has such deliveries. I watched an amusing attention-seeking rant by a customer at the weekend, saying a member of staff had ignored him. The obvious conclusion was that you could see the staff member's point :-). I find the staff helpful and welcoming (they are also working very hard restocking after the higher than expected demand. If we compare this with supermarkets ten years ago, and current competitors we see a first rate, modern, convenient, varied and interesting range of foods to eat. And all with no background music. What more could one want? My only gripe is the usual one in ED: parents parking their buggies mid aisle whilst they engage in food tourism. Please desist!

Also, its worth knowing that this scam can come via text message. Troublingly, on my iPhone I got a message a few days ago that managed to hijack the existing AUTHENTIC message thread of HMRC access codes for online submission - so looked convincing. Usual fraudulent link to click. Perhaps it is just that time of year, but I got this a few days after submitting my tax return - as with bank fraud so often aided or committed by insiders, one rather wonders if there is someone selling info.

Yes I agree ???? about the "hardball realpolitik to strengthen our negotiations" but my own unease is not just that it is unethical (bad enough). The problem is that it is a time-inconsistent negotiation (or catch 22 as someone observed in the Times Higher Edu Supplement yesterday). That is, we cannot properly negotiate and thus know what we will end up with until we put in place an irreversible decision to leave i.e. a commitment to end up with what we are given. That it is a pretence or fantasy that we can have a concrete plan in place before invoking article 50 (one in which we know the outcome so that invoking article 50 is 'best for Britain') is pretty obvious. My guess is this is why people pro-brexit are increasingly saying 'we'll just leave' and make deals elsewhere. Looking forward to how you will value your assets if that happens. Of course, the EU may blink. Perhaps more likely is that the EU itself will fall apart during the negotiations. My own fantasy is that as the months pass and the time-inconsistency gets more exposed May will realise that there is no credibility in invoking article 50 - Brexit will just be quietly forgotten.

During the campaign, the leaders on the brexit side, Farage included, said that EU nationals already in the UK would be allowed to stay after Brexit (if it took place). This was reiterated by Johnson and Gove on the morning after. But May has now said that this is not guaranteed - frightened of people coming here before we actually leave no doubt. Probably (thus leaving ALL EU nationals here now in a state of uncertainty) there will be a cut-off just before article 50 is invoked in the new year (God help us all, although there is a hope that the Supreme Court may then say the government is acting illegally without an act of Parliament). Problem is that many EU nationals are here, and may have been here some time, and there is no record of them being here. So there is now a massive rush by people to register their presence: hence the headline in the FT today and the rush to introduce a new IT system to try to record them: it seems there may be up to 800,000 EU people here (perfectly legitimately) of whom the government currently has no record.

Elphinstone's Army Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > 6.30 - 6.45 Coop type q's, salad and veg section > on the left as you enter looked as though a swarm > of locusts had been through, and what's with the > wine section, red/white/rose, all mixed, if I want > a red Chilean I have to search? (just supposing) > and trolleys and boxes in the aisles? > How could M&S not realised the surge of interest/ > purchasing their long mooted opening would > engender and not stock up and no bread? This is > the optimum coming home tired and weary time > which > we all agreed would be good to collapse into M&S > for instant, nutritious, good range to choose > from, shopping. > > I know it is early days, but v disappointing. > > And why only 2 check outs and when paid, have to > negotiate the automatic pay machine customers, > it'snt exactly streamlined. > This morning three suits stood in the doorway, > shop floor staff busy, shop cold, 6.30, shop busy, > open until 11.00pm, for what? > > I wish M&S had asked a consortium or cross section > of locals, as we all can run the shop better than > they. I think they need to consider Waterloo-station style staffed checkouts (at least 5 could be put where the two conveyor belts are now, more if they got rid of the greeting card area. They do not always have to be staffed; but they are clearly currently operating beyond capacity with no flexibility to increase should the men standing around in suits think they might like to help (manager excepted - he was doing the right thing helping stacking shelves on my visit). No danger of excessive middle management in uk plc companies :-). Definitely think they should revise their customer estimates: I think they may be surprised by large numbers, particularly on Saturdays. Mind you, my navigational problems today were caused by people standing in groups in the aisles talking about how wonderful the store is and by one enterprising individual who went to do her shopping whilst her child kept her place in the queue.

yes, these wealth effects could prove substantial (particularly through a big fall in house prices). ????, I do not think you can say credibly that those who warned about Brexit were wrong because there have been no income or wealth effects yet! These effects themselves take a couple of years to materialise AFTER we have been through the negotiations and agreed exit - to be clear, about 4 years after article 50 is invoked. Of course I am already reading in the stupid sections of the press that when the recession comes (as it will) it will be for other reasons, and Brexit will have nothing to do with it. Meanwhile, yesterday May really shot herself in the foot don't you think? Even the most ardent Brexiters were surprised if Fraser Nelson's reaction was anything to go by. We were promised by the OUT vote that EU nationals already here could stay after exit: that no longer holds. Both a misjudgement and a disgrace: I suspect her honeymoon period will be rather brief.

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > ..and this morning, Manufacturing PMI up from 48 > to 53 the 2nd biggest jump in 25 years (and ahead > of a forecast of 49). Now, just where are our > resident forum economists with their post-Brexit > models and predictions? :) I think its worth distinguishing income and relative-price effects. The pound tanked after the referendum, so manufacturers got a much needed boost to export price competitiveness (at least those who don't rely too much on imported components and materials). But if they have no market and no access to European labour in two to three years time it doesn't really matter if their goods are relatively cheaper. That is, the income effects don't kick in until 2 years after article 50 has been triggered (apart from in London where the financial system will implode far faster - see the visit of the Polish prime minister today to encourage firms to go to Warsaw.) By the way, its standard Keynesian economics that the full effect of the income shift will only be one to two years after that.

I have bought some of the new Dash buttons Amazon are offering today. Couldn't resist. So now I can just press a button when my toilet rolls run low and they promise to deliver next day. But my loo will look like its sponsored by Andrex. Do I care that Amazon know about how many I get through? No. Is this convenient? Yes, very. I always used to leave it too late so had to go out to shop just for them. I am thinking of covering up the advertising. My only other worry is that they will try to get them to me by drone: it is noisy enough overhead already.

Barn Seeker Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > That's the easiest 25k I've ever made. > > And to all those who went today...I'm having a > wild guess here...but was it kind of like all > their other stores? Congratulations on your winnings. However, you are wrong about cloning. Compare for example with the dated M and S on Walworth Road. This is larger (for food) and much more ambitiously stocked. They know their market, and were making a real effort today. You could get a 0.5% interest rate loan on your winnings and try their stuff :-)

I am tucking in to chicken with wild garlic, new potatoes, and Italian salad. Very nice, and not something I could make at home. Then fruit that I know is ripe without having to squeeze it. This store is truly impressive. I only regret no deli counter as in Kensington: there is room if they got rid of the far corner devoted to greetings cards and what have you. Sparks loyalty may be parsimonious to charity but it gives a few freebies to customers along the way, often ?5 off over ?25 shopping etc. Glad to see Big Issue seller has realised he needs to move to where the action is :-). Saw some of the co-op staff out for a smoke - guess I feel for them. Worried about only two non-self-checkout aisles - but very large number of self-checkout with two staff. Saturdays will be interesting. No musac, and no patronising 'don't eat butter etc' from 'co-op radio' greatly added to the charm, as did the welcome hallo, smiles by staff and readiness to help. M and S Foodhalls are very profitable (unlike their clothing currently). I wonder why? Typical effect on local house prices about ?25K (Waitrose about ?30K but that will come).

I think saying people are entitled to their opinion is crass. There are many people whose opinions are stupid, misinformed, essentialist and wrong. They should be told that those opinions are these things. Words are deeds: we are not so reticent when it comes to stupid physical actions. Meanwhile, the EU has today mounted a full scale trade war with the USA. That is SO unwise. The US is not a 'controlled' state: there are too many disjoined centres of interest. So we will have an escalating trade war whoever is next president and whatever our status with respect to the EU. The rumour is that accountancy firms will be the next USA target (and that unlike BP they may not have the resources to withstand the 'fines') - we have so much to lose here. Betting against global recession anyone?

Definitely do what Foxy suggests and connect via Ethernet. I gave up trying to 'fix' my BT Wi-Fi. Was down to 1 mb/sec, and tried everything (including advanced router settings and band selection) to no avail. now with cable connection up to 75-80. May be the hub, but more often just lots of interference from other signals. Unlikely to be the feed itself but if you ring them they will check that. (btw the reviews of the new bt hub 6 say its significantly faster than the hub 5).

Penguin68 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > There are very good reasons why many people > discourage supporting street begging through > donations - not only can these 'beggars' at times > be anything but legitimate - but very frequently > monies given are then used for purposes which do > not benefit the long term health and well being of > the beggar - there are numbers of recognised (and > very good) charities which address the needs of > the homeless and those unable to look after > themselves properly - giving money through them > both ensures that genuinely needy people get the > benefit, but also ensures that the money is 'well' > spent in terms of what it buys, including focused > help and training to move people off the streets. > . I would also except from these strictures > buskers - these are people who are offering > entertainment in exchange for payment - at least > the 'transaction' is more clear, they are looking > for a reward for skill, not for just being there. > > This very unpleasant begging scam (The link to the > Threepenny Opera is very relevant) could be > readily stopped if people stopped street giving to > beggars. There are far more effective (and tax > efficient) ways to be charitable to those in need. There are also good reasons for supporting people who ask for money in the streets. Many get precious little support from our beloved welfare system (how exactly is it that people are not guaranteed a minimum income - even if not working - and basic housing in the fifth wealthiest economy in the world?). I simply do not understand your moralising that "very frequently monies given are then used for purposes which do not benefit the long term health and well being of the beggar". When I give money to someone who asks for it (not nearly enough times but they don't yet take plastic) I hope that they will have as much fun with it as they can. They are not children for goodness sake. The real evil of organised gangs is that it cuts off those who do need to ask for money from those willing to give it. For a while I will be diverting my conscience money to the excellent busker (who should certainly be sponsored by local retailers to continue).

The problem with recommending solutions is that there are multiple considerations, technologies, standards and policies that have to apply. I do not think it is for us as endangered citizens to come up with the solution: that is why TFL/council have (or employ) experts. It is for us, via our elected representatives to make our feelings clear when endangered. What else are elected representatives for? They are, generally, no more transport experts than we are. It seems to me that our representatives are NOT there to say 'nothing can be done' but to say to those making decisions that a significant number of people they represent (not acting out of any particularised self-interest) say something MUST be done. If TFL/council then say there is nothing that can be done then presumably our elected representatives will report back with their justification?

Just walked across it after a two minute wait and two false starts. Anyone not used to it or distracted is in serious trouble here as you have to look round 180 degrees for both directions on Lordship Lane and often indicator lights coming from the north are invisible in direct sunlight - not to mention coordinating that with traffic coming down the Grove itself. Add to that the design which seems to channel cars, lorries, and worst of all vans whose drivers seem disconnected from civic responsibility, turning right into the grove at ACCELERATING speed as they cut past any cars stationary for the lights when going south and you have a disaster waiting to happen. When I eventually dodged across (been jaywalking since I can remember) a mother and child were still left stranded on the other side. I would also very much like to hear why the money spent on improving pavements in Melbourne Grove is a priority given this obvious death trap. It is worth remembering that this is a crossing for a busy PAVEMENT on a shopping high street and as it stands it is not even remotely fit for purpose. If Melbourne can get a petition for action then how do users of Lordship Lane get together on this one?

They've moved west of the Lane. More than I can remember - and friendlier.

"I'm just fascinated by some peoples fascination with etiquette." I have just read Jay Rayner's excellent "the ten (food) commandments" (on sale at Franklins) and he has convinced me to change my ways: from now on I'm going to eat with my fingers. I remember this from somewhere: Marco Polo (as guest, served first of course): "in our country eating with our fingers is taboo" The Great Sultan: "then you are missing a great pleasure" So next time you serve your difficult relations Louisa, just take away the knives and forks and tell them to eat with their fingers: you can tell them its both a la mode and de rigueur in east Dulwich, even if not in Ruritania.

We can do a little calculation. In 1992 I decided against modest 3 bed semi-d houses in E Dulwich for ?120,000 for one of equivalent price in Kennington (at that point both were not very fashionable). AT THE TIME this seemed over-priced - to the extent that I could get ?10k off on the morning of exchange by threatening to withdraw. Mortgage company said it was WAY over-priced. Inflation multiplier to convert 1992 pounds into 2016 pounds is 1.94 These houses before brexit were selling for 1.4m..... Yours is a little larger at 1.9m, My estimate is that my house is now worth ?213,400 on a long-term average basis. Scaling up values your house at ?289,614. Of course we can inflate these figures to represent the sudden fashion of living in East Dulwich. But pay attention to the (marvelous) polyglot nature of that popularity: the exit negotiations may have some adverse effect here I fear. As with house prices, bubbles of popularity can easily burst. My assumption is that the dire PMI data yesterday was not just a blip and that we will now go through a long-drawn out recession/stagflation period, as we did in the 1990s. Oh, and interest rates on savings accounts in 1992 were 8%. There is net migration FROM London in this bracket, about to accelerate to Frankfurt. House prices will return to their natural rate.

... but he isn't. And the party now is.

At least the foxes are now safe.

rendelharris Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Well yes, if you're going to plunge into the realm > of metaphysics and spirituality all is possible - > all I meant was it would be a physical > impossibility in terms of our current > comprehension of energy and matter. Agreed that > all manner of incomprehensible things are possible > at quantum level, but an apparition in the shape > of a nun would hardly fall into that bracket, > would it? but in my computer simulation of C19th London ghost effects (as opposed to ghosts) happen all the time and they were certainly not programmed to appear: and all that is happening there (by definition!) occurs at the binary level to produce 'macro' effects. OK that is only a metaphor. But why should there be a discontinuity from the micro to the macro in the simulation (one that is probably not digital) in which we may be constituted (who knows)? By the way this is hard-headed materialism not spiritualism: I no more believe in the reality of ghosts than you do. We only really have two choices if we treat the report of seeing a ghost seriously (which I do in this case): either the 'seeing' is constituted by brain activity as a mistaken gestalt, or it is 'real' as the artefact of a simulation. In the latter case, perhaps intentional by the machine doing the simulation, perhaps not. as for the 'current comprehension of energy and matter' I am speechless.

Well, I don't believe in Ghosts (except metaphorically as in the Hamlet sense of being 'haunted') and the gestalt basis of this kind of perception is well established: I regularly 'see' my black cat in the garden when one of my very dark red banana leaves is disturbed by the wind - in this case takes about 0.4 of a second to dispel (but mirages a little longer). Now that I have foxes the same effect is being triggered by my orange dahlias. Partly this is because we are now all so well educated so have learnt to put 2 and 2 together to make 1080: as Luria famously reported back from the illiterates he studied in Siberia - 'they have no illusions!'. However, I am not sure that 'the entire nature of our understanding of the physical universe' is the right thing to put up against this. Was that the Newtonian understanding?! Even Newton had an entire 'other world' metaphysics of the most peculiar and indeed spiritualist kind. I thought we now lived in a very mysterious physical world indeed: with snow fields (Higgs Boson) super-strings (everything in the universe is connected) probable universe infinity (well I have to learn something from Horizon) and multi-verse (an infinite number of other universes). Remember it was within two generations that we thought the milky way was the limit of the universe... At the micro level physicists are often reported as saying NO ONE UNDERSTANDS quantum mechanics. More obviously, serious philosophers have had a sense that our universe may well be a computer simulation MADE BY ANOTHER COMPUTER SIMULATION and so on for infinity. Makes a lot of sense the way VT is going. And that would be a much better explanation of the Nun figure. If the simulation is just slightly 'out' then you get exactly these ghost effects: try the brilliant 'Assassin's Creed Syndicate' on PS4 (to get rid of the unintentional ghosts you have to upgrade to a specialised PC graphics card).

James, are you truly saying that you think this expenditure is optimal given the opportunity cost? You cannot think of ANYTHING in our borough or ward that would merit this expenditure more?

Sometimes I think I miss the obvious and am inclined just to lazily follow the self-evidences mirrored back to me by the media. Only the shock of brexit has made me think some more (no doubt not enough) about what led to this. Apologies if this is obvious to everyone, but one thing that has belatedly occurred to me is that the anti-immigration vote (probably a large part of the brexit sensibility) was stirred up by the REMAIN government. Repeated promises to cut immigration were made (justified as being against the allegedly pernicious effects of immigration rather than to welcome immigration as culturally diversifying and a net gain to the economy). These were then always broken (as those speaking them knew they must): but this ADDED to the message. It was then the home office (home of what is now the chief 'reluctant remainer') who sent vans round London in 2013 with messages plastered on the side almost as appalling as those deployed by UKIP in the referendum: http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/22/go-home-illegal-immigrant-van-scheme-to-be-scrapped-theresa-may-admits-4156572/

Boris said people like me who are weeping are like those who wept for Diana. I think he is wrong.