david_carnell

I would suggest a much simpler reason(s): Smaller class sizes Better teachers Better facilities All of which are due to the funding they receive. A comparison of Dulwich College with, say, the brand new Harris Academy being built on Forest Hill Rd would give a interesting insight. I would also venture that not having to adhere to the national curriculum nor participate in league tables allows these schools to produce a more well-rounded and balanced educational programme as opposed to one driven by political motivations.

SteveT Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Yet this occurs in the richest nation on Earth. > > Rich in resources but not in ready cash. China, > Japan, and India has that. They have been giving > China government bonds for years to settle a > percentage of their debts which was fine, until > China demanded more dollars. Steve - a somewhat simplistic and "splitting hairs" approach. See here for GDP tables all showing the USA by some distance to still be the world's wealthiest nation. Not per capita perhaps, but in absolute terms, absolutely. Another interesting aside to this debate was featued in the press today. The head of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), essentially the trade body for private schools, has attacked the "liberal hypocrites" who make parents feel guilty about sending their children to fee-paying schools yet spend their money instead on disposable goods like cars and holidays. He fails to spot the manifest difference between the two, but the idea that exhuberent displays of wealth and large disposable incomes can leave a bad taste in the mouth are closer to the mark.

I think the issue, Steve, is one of affluenza as highlighted by Oliver James (who I normally have little time for). I'm not sure I agree with you that if you didn't have the cash you couldn't have since the "never-never" has been going on for longer than even Blood Brothers in the West-End. Even Shakespeare wrote about money lenders. But the differential in wealth between people living relatively side-by-side creates disharmony. Even in our own corner of London, less than a mile apart are multi-million pound houses on Grove Lane and some of the most poverty-stricken areas in the Borough. The increasing gap between rich and poor, I believe, lies at the heart of many of our social ills. The cut-throat, do-eat-dog world of rampant capitalism that we as a society have sleepwalked into allows for huge profits in certain sectors of industry whilst communities reliant on a mono-industry are allowed to collapse if it isn' as profitable as it once was. But I think you're close Steve, when you talk about "not having much" - the desire to consume, to buy, to attemt tp have what those economically above you have is driving us towards an ever more unhappy society. Work less. Consume less. Own less. Be happier. This isn't only happening in Britain. A fascinating documentary on the fate of Detroit (called Requiem for Detroit - watch on iplayer NOW) highlighted what is fast becoming the first post-industrial city in the USA. Over a third has been reclaimed by nature, the population has halved and unemployment runs at 30%. Yet this occurs in the richest nation on Earth. Something is definitely wrong.

Cricket? I have trousers and jumper that you could borrow.....

Bellenden Belle Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Sue Sylvester from Glee is very now. And you can > practise a snarling look of disdain and be a > complete bitch the entire day - all in character > of course. > > I'm sure someone here might help us with a picture > for inspiration. Voila: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0d/Sue_Sylvester.jpg/250px-Sue_Sylvester.jpg

3 days in and I'm up to 45000 and 4 in row. Some way to go it would seem....especially as you are sleep deprived as well currently!

david_carnell Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Prediction: Ireland by 5 points Ireland by 15 - good victory for the Irish but points difference means they'll have to settle for the Triple Crown regardless of next weekend's results. > Prediction: Scotland by 3 points A bore-draw. Where to begin? But for the woodwork (twice) Dan Parks would have kicked Scotland to victory as England were poor again. Further injuries and nothing-to-lose will hopefully mean some fresh faces and a bit more invention against the French next weekend. Scotland might be hoping to sneak something against the Irish but without tries it seems unlikely. > Prediction: France by 15 points France by 26! Superb performance and Gallic running flair rugby at it's most devastating. Strength in depth, the Grand Slam nearly in the bag.....what price for the World Cup next year?

Right, I've just downloaded that.....GAME ON! Btw, Playman Track & Field is worth a punt on the iphone. Nice calm, button-bashing action. Don't break another screen, Sean.

Eth Eth Eth Christh Waddle.

This would seem to be the place to go (well, person to see to be more precise). Loving his outfit - bit more Gloucester than Costa!

Predictions and team news for the weekend, gents: Ireland v Wales Ireland are unchanged, so Murphy at 15 and Sexton keeping O'Gara out the team. For Wales, Martyn Williams takes over as captain for the injured Ryan Jones, Delve starts at 8, Charteris "the Giant" is in the second row and Matthew Rees returns. In the backs, Mike Phillips fails to make the bench but the rest are unchanged. Prediction: Ireland by 5 points Scotland v England The Scots make just one change with De Luca replacing Danielli at centre. England have resisted gambling (yet again) retaining Armitage at 15 but dropping Lewis Moody and bringing Joe 'Wurzles' Worsley into the back row. Deacon keeps his place at lock replacing the injured Simon Shaw. *Yawn* Prediction: Scotland by 3 points France v Italy Monster-centre Bastereaud is dropped to the bench through injury and Malzieu is replaced on the wing by some other quick French fella. Does it matter if Italy make changes or not?! Prediction: France by 15 points

No. This isn't the London Marathon. It's like some fat, sweaty people running for a bus. We are all adults. If a car is coming - stop. The road does not need to be closed, the council/police/other authority do not need to notified. It's a fun, neighbourhood, social event - not a Stop The War demo.

*doffs deerstalker in Woof's direction* But back on topic... technology shouldn't count since all get's outdated and replaced... I would put forward Barry Scott from the Cillit Bang adverts though. Whatever happened to him?

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > ....I give you > > - Six button, highwaister Oxford Bags Errr...... *gulp* Does it count if they're not flared and in tweed?

Great old thread, featuring some long lost favourite forumites, about the Oglander here.

Footage of Vorderman . Loon.

Not quite a charity run, LadyM. More of a endurance event. For those who are new to the forum or the Barry Barry Road Race I shall briefly explain the concept: All contestants begin at the Plough public house (in the garden) At the commencement of the race men will consume, as fast as possible, one pint of a beer of their choice and one shot of a spirit of their choice. Women shall be allowed to consume halves. Competitors then begin the downhill run along the length of Barry Road negotiating pedestrians, cars, buses, dogs and other urban hazards. At the end of Barry Road all competitors find their designated drinks located in the garden of the Clock House public house. A further pint (or half) and shot are consumed. The winner is the man to finish his drink, at the Clock House, first. I have had the honour of competing in both races to date and this year am determined to defeat the double champion - that quick, skinny bloke. It is unlikely though. Last year's race details and photos (oh dear god) can be found here.

Flat Cap Coffee Co on Strutton Ground nr Victoria Station. Excellent coffee - excellent hats.

1/10 Repetitive, unoriginal and lacks any signs of intelligence. Stay behind after class.

Please also note that lattes, frappes and cappucinos are now also passe and liable to cause social death. The coffee du jour is the 'flat white' and should be ordered, with a knowing nod and wink at the barista, despite its absence from the chalkboard above the counter.

I'm presuming the 500 cals is on medical advice.... ...in which case unless giggirl and londonloves have a sideline in gastroenterology perhaps we should stick to the advice the OP asks for....

Labour-LibDem coalition/Miliband as PM Get me the odds, my good man.

I vaguely remember a story of someone literally dying at a Lee Hurst gig once. Choked to death due to laughing so much. I can't find any reference to it online though..... ....and it would imply someone finding Lee Hurst funny which is quite unlikely.

Sorry pepsi, but I agree with bejaminty - the Garrison is overpriced and of average quality. And aside from yourself, I've always found the other customers to be....errr....rather keen on nipping to the gents between courses. Wallies, in other words.

Could we transmogrify Camberwell? And would it then be allowed to be? But can we excommunicate North London as a whole? I'm bored of it, and its latte-swilling pretensions.