Ladymuck

*shoves mrs f out of the way* ...and don't forget the 13-year old:))

Yep...and definitely talking to myself then too. *rings therapist*

2 quid is 2 quid - not to be sniffed at. Even royalty (not that I wish to brag about being a member) are feeling the pinch at present. Yes, looking back - thread does look a bit mad...I mean, I'm talking to myself!!! LOL

Pah...stop fishing for compliments;-)

Congratulations daizie - your first youtube attachment! PS: that IS you - isn't it?:))

daizie Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Can you provide the link for the wrist support Ha ha ha...here it is...

daizie Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Should have got you to try and sell my shoes LM > :)) I did offer! See - another one who missed out!:))

womanofdulwich Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I could not forget the place mats- where are they > now? A nice little Chinese man (with the cutest daughter) bought them (ebay). He was well chuffed! You lot missed out on the bargain of the century!:))

One woman's junk is another woman's treasure. I've sold tons of stuff on here. I admit that I could have got more for it than I received. However I am very happy to let stuff go more cheaply if it means less hassle (i.e. avoiding ebay) AND I know that it is keeping our very local ED economy going. For me that's a good trade-off. I have also given stuff away for free, and this has been most satisfying for all involved. Conversely, I have placed items up for sale and no-one has shown the slightest bit of interest (anyone remember those place mats? Or that ergonomic wrist support)? So what? Obviously the demand was not there at the time, and being the stubborn mule that I am, I may well try again (pre-Christmas is a good time!). However, I do believe that it is a little ungracious of you to make the sweeping statement that ED people are "tight" - refer to giggirl's comment above. Don't give up using the For Sale section (it's a fantastic facility - and it costs you NOTHING) - if the demand for your goods is there, then someone will buy. Otherwise, there's always ebay (*shudders*).

Yes, I'd noticed SteveT;-) But you do buy...so good all round.

Whatever you do - avoid Hotpoint. Cheap but unreliable. For years we were the talk of our road as the Hotpoint engineer's van seemed permanently parked outside our house! We now have a Miele. It came with a 5-year guarantee. I have to say that I am disappointed. Performance in terms of washing/drying is average - no better than our (unreliable) Hotpoint actually. However, it IS quiet and utterly reliable (as per SteveT) - we have yet to make a claim under the 5-year guarantee. I think Mr. Ben is right - Bosch is the one to get. All of my friends who own one say they are delighted with it.

HAL9000 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > 1) Never trust a politician. They promised to protect the poor. I had hoped that HAL9000 was just being cynical.

What to buy a 13-year old boy? As usual, must be a proper present. I.e. no money, no tokens, vouchers etc. etc. Unfortunately, strict budget of ?25. Thanks in advance.

I've had problems with Edwardes in the past. As has hubby. They sold hubby a bike that was far too small for him, sold us ill-fitting helmets, and weren't interested when my bike developed a fault (chain kept slipping) after only a few weeks. I eventually got fed up with them and went to Brixton Cycles to pay to get it repaired even though I should have got it done for free by Edwardes. But this was around 20 years ago - so their customer service may have improved.

I reckon the tree supports Manchester United too.

Why, can't you reach them?

Mark, I would not buy a bike from Gumtree/ebay etc. Other than the obvious signs - you cannot really be sure whether or not a bike has been stolen. Specialist bike shops like Balfes or Brixton Cycles are great for professional advice. Chains like Evans can be a bit hit and miss - depending on who serves you (there isn't the same passion as with the independents). Here is a list of shops which may sell second-hand bikes (it's not 100% up-to-date)...it's by area.

Having the best friend anyone could possibly wish for

Marmora Man Wrote: ------------------------------------------- > Have a look at Centre for Social Justice - Family > Policy... >...With Iain Duncan Smith as a > Minister perhaps some of these ideas will get a > decent chance of implementation Thanks Marmora Man. I have read through the Green Paper. It's quite an indepth examination into social breakdown (under Labour). It controversially, I think, brings up issues which some might consider ought not to be the subject of state intervention (e.g. measures to be put into place to ensure fathers take on more of the burden in rearing their offspring). How far should the state properly intervene in such matters? I am not sure ? it depends on the motive behind the proposal I guess. However, I'm not comfortable with some of the social policies which have a whiff of the right-wing about them (and which might only serve to help those who are already better off). The paper also tediously, and repetitively bangs on about marriage, to the point of obsession. Is it right for any government to suggest that one type of relationship is preferable over another? And, as for providing tax incentives to people simply because they hold a marriage certificate, this is, to my mind, quite misguided. It also promotes strong relationships (whatever they are) and emphasises the need to prevent relationship breakdowns. Add to that IDS's current welfare reforms (and the fact that he's a Tottenham Hotspurs supporter!) and I am left bereft of enthusiam. IDS says that poverty and inequality must be tackled and (sensibly) talks of making work pay. However, he simultaneously speaks endlessly about the need to cut back on benefits, so I guess we shall just have to see whether his proposals end up helping the most needy ? or not. One particular concern which I have is that his proposed reforms might have the effect of plunging those who are genuinely unable to work into even deeper poverty, thus causing them additional hardship. Edited to add: @ Huguenot I think I was overly mean earlier - sorry.

Huguenot Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The one thing that stood out with Jamie Oliver's > school dinners campaign was how many parents were > actively and aggressively opposed to it. Agreed. Though some opposition to such a campaign was inevitable in my opinion. After all, it was viewed by objectors as undermining the ability of parents to look after their children ? controversial to say the least. Thankfully, despite receiving a fair bit of media attention, the dissenters were in the minority. It is the end result that counts.

DJKillaQueen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > There are many parents > that would embrace the opportunity for their > children to get pre-schooling even though they are > not able to help their children with schoolwork > themselves. > > Some schools now have homework clubs for children > to use that don't have either a quiet area at home > to do their homework or parents that can help. > Clearly providing extra help and schooling where > it's needed would be a step in the right direction... Well, here is an extract (cut and pasted) from the Report: Low income and early cognitive development in the U.K. (link to full report provided a few posts back). The following is basically a list of what the researchers believe should be priorities in terms of reducing existing educational inequalities pre-(state)-school. 1.Children's centres should offer effective parenting programmes which have been evaluated and proven to work by robust research, and which engage parents/carers and empower them to be their child's first educator. 2.Sure Start early learning practitioners should work in partnership with health professionals to support families, including home visits for the hardest to reach children. 3.Specialised outreach projects should be established as part of the wider Sure Start children's centre provision to improve contact with vulnerable families. 4.New funding the Government plans to allocate to extend free nursery education entitlement to 3 and 4 year olds should be redirected to provide 25 hours of nursery education a week to 2-4 year olds from the 15% most disadvantaged families. 5.Access to these extra nursery places should be complemented by automatic access to a proven parenting programme.

matthew123 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > What is your point northlondoner? I think that NL is saying that your clip is not showing the full story...that it's biased in favour of the Israelis, that's all. (Forgive me if I have the wrong end of the stick NL).

SteveT Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I remember some programme on Japan and they > refered to their retired citizenry as 'big > garbage' > and since I have slowed down that is I feel an > adequate description of myself. Well I beg to differ! You are a long way away from the scrap-heap. And you are not in Japan!

legalbeagle Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Discovering that when you really really need just > one good friend, you actually have several. - ditto - xx

Huguenot Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > LM, I was only indulging a pun with the 'nanny' > state. Oh I know, Mr. H...and I used your...ahem...indulgence...to the fullest advantage as an excuse to promote mischief!! Can't stop...but intend to return to inequality/welfare reforms/education and the like much, much later tonight/early tomorrow morning. Carry on indulging!;-)