Asset

the 'financially-minded' grocer as we affectionately call it.

He's quite funny in his grumpiness. Also, how could I not mention Mr Green in the art shop, fount of all knowledge about the Village and friendly as well.

I too always have good, friendly service from Sergio, and the other guys are usually pretty friendly. It's a surprise to me they would be so aggressive without provocation. Sean, the people in Romeo Jones are cheery, as are the waiters in Cafe Rouge which I've been to a couple of times recently, The women in Biff are pretty helpful, so I don't often get 'surprised' when in the shops there I get decent service. The chemist can be a bit grumpy though.

I've got one in the back garden

Well okay, personally I do leave them well alone but you know what? Just because they've been there for ages doesn't mean they shouldn't receive any critisicm if there is dissatisfaction with the shop.

I've got to go to O2 arena on Friday (first time there) and researching best ways of getting there I happened upon the Thames Clipper Express which is a boat from Waterloo Pier direct to the O2 for a few quid. I wondered if anyone has done that journey and how smoothly it went? I fancy getting there by that method.

LOL

I caught Paddick on the Politics Programme the other day and he didn't come across very well, bit stiff. He's not a slick politician. He also got defensive and snippy in last week's Time Out interview.

we haven't had one of these threads for a while

I thought that Boothby Graffoe's show on R4 was cringemakingly awfully unfunny. Hope he's better on stage.

Agreed, but aren't the co-ops franchises anyway? Personally I think the marketing peeps know their stuff and as it is likely that co-op would sell off a lot of the plots if they buy Somerfield I would expect the LL plot to be one of those.

basically because it is too gentrified and upmarket round here, surely you can see that? More likely Waitrose or M&S would buy it from co-op. Co-op for all its cooperative credentials struggles to give an impression of good quality. Look at the thread about the one on Forest Hill Road.

They'd sell the ED plot though, not right for a co-op IMO

what about Paddick? I'm starting to veer in his direction. Or should I just go for the devil we know? Boris is not an option.

I'm with you on the scrambled eggs front MM

Adrian Lester popping to Somerfields this afternoon

Agreed. There is usually ample space to let those choosing to go through red lights through and I have never been shouted at for not doing it. In re. motorbikes, I have on many occasions been shaken by a motorbike zooming very close past me in the bus lane as they undertake cars.

I was under the impression that any dog that bit a person was put down, there should be no question about this one. It's not much help now, but throwing a coat over the head of a dog is recommended for splitting up fighting dogs; hitting them doesn't work and may only make things worse, doing that may well work in this situation also and is a useful tip.

cafe nero's got to switch off its fans

it's okay Brendan I didn't take it as patronising, I did think when I posted it may be valves hey ho, trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about again. 16 better than 8 tho'. I got it on ebay too, thought the location was in Essex and turned out (once we had won it) to be in the midlands. Mr Asset not amused when he had to go and get it.

I'm on my second Scenic. Both have been pretty reliable although not as sexy as the old Saab 900 we had to sell when number two child arrived! I bought this second Scenic (2000) with about 60k on the clock for ?3000 a year ago. It's only been in the garage for servicing. Fuel consumption not bad at around 30mpg round town (used to get about 18 in the Saab). My old one was only 8 cylinder but this one is 16 and it makes a difference - don't have to go in the crawler lane going uphill when the car is fully loaded. They feel pretty solid compared with some other similar style cars. I imagine the Vauxhalls to be pretty tinny.

I very rarely watch TV now, preferring instead to watch what's happening on here; interspersed with my scrabulous games I have little time for anything else.

why can't they go in the garden Kel? Surely that is the best place for the little blighters to be.

bang

If you promise to vote for me I may consider it; but you must remenber that the slightest whiff of power can corrupt even the most level-headed person.