Apple

So everyone has to use their gaydar and cautiously approach neighbouring tables. Oh no I can see this going terribly wrong ;)

With the 15% tax comment, I think this is relevant for venture capitalists only, e.g. private equity investors that buy failing companies and turn them around. They may also buy hedge funds etc and that is just one example. The tax break was because they were taking a huge personal risk (around 80% of these companies fail) and that they are 'helping' failing companies etc etc. It is getting reviewed though as the private equity investor is no longer just purchasing failing companies but putting large amounts of cash in to large successful companies in the name of development and restructuring, so the tax break is now perceived as unfair and not relevant given this. I see that charities are run as Domitianus describes. They can be like any company with fees paid to investment managers and any other services that are appropriate. I think they obviously compare the cost of paying an external agency (and the subsequent higher annual donations) with the donations received when not employing the agency. Their goal is to get the highest amount of ?, so the chuggers must add value or they wouldn't exist.

Is anyone else getting sucked in to the world of Big Brother 8? I can't help but find the twin's rap/song really catchy? I still find it an interesting social experiment too which I'm sure is an unpopular view! What do you think? Maybe it's because I've only just got into it, maybe I'm insane, I just can't help it!

Apologies, no offence meant Keef, the reference to comments being patronising wasn't about anyone personally..just a general feeling I got from browsing through the previous postings...obviously I'm not against helping people in need but I don't think the community grant is the correct vessel for that. I don't think any grant would be awarded unless it benefited the wider community rather than target specific causes.

Yes how do you recognise each other? I drink in the rye often and have never noticed any ED forum sessions...sounds fun

I think it's down to managing expectations... I've always thought of the Seacow as one of those places i wouldn't bother trying, I think it's just fish and chips and if you have expectations then you will be disappointed. My friend went there and hated it...but what was she expecting...precisely! If you see it for what it is (I think a really good concept in a really good location) then you will be fine and happy to eat there. The cost of fish and chips seems to have gone up in all chip shops of late... I think Emily's on NC is good, but then is this simply because I'm paying fish and chip prices for adequate fish and chips? Mmmmmm. The premium you pay on top for Seacow is surely for the sit down meal, the novelty, the location? So accept that and problem solved.

I'm torn...it is a lovely little place and embodies the ED spirit (I've met complete strangers who have made comments such as "oh wow, I'd love to have a coffee in BM" when they have heard I live in ED, as though this is 'living the dream'). However, I have waited literally half an hour for a smoothie before, then an innocent smoothie style carton has been brought over for ?2.50! Also it was very embarrassing taking my mother there and paying so much for one slice of toasted bread - eek! I think it has been wildly popular with deserved popularity and is now so popular it is receiving a back-lash of criticism. It's like everything! The prices are in keeping with the demand and the local economy. They don't need to cut prices to shift food and it's not charity afterall! The sweet shop and BM cafe make a good combo for the yummy mummies!

NC Road = Greenwich village The area of the Rye below The Rye Hotel = Tribepr - triangle below peckham rye? If LL is 5th Av then Barry Rd = Lexington SoNo = South of North Cross

I also read about the village that completely went plastic bag free. I think the initiative came from a marine biologist who had been studying the effect of plastic bags in the ocean. The local shop keepers were all in agreement to go ahead with the scheme and started using paper or cloth bags. This is something that would be possible in ED I think. I have started saying no when offered plastic bags in shops. In Pret the other day when I refused a bag they gave me a small choc brownie!

I used to live on Choumert and have walked past this pub recently on several evenings and even with the refurb I don't think it looks like a very relaxed place. I'm not sure if same management or not. Give it a try and let us know!

The grant is for the community so I assume the amount given will depend on an assessment of eligibilty criteria. The formal ideas put forward must be clearly and unambiguously related to improving the community. I recall from an earlier posting that the maximum amount is ?150k. Things to find out include whether the amount can be spread across projects, or if a reduced amount was granted (eg ?75,000) then can another proposal be submitted in order to 'claim' the further ?75,000 for another community project..etc etc. I'm sure the assessment would be concerned about costs over-running too. If I think of a community (and even in ED it is still diverse), it is important to create an idea that is accessable to all members of that community. Perhaps something seasonal is good, like outdoor ideas for the summer (eg copying thr clapham common outdoor cinema screenings - who doesn't enjoy watching movies?) a community day/sportsday etc. I've lived in many different areas and some of the comments on this discussion sound extremely patronising to less well off people. Giving up the possibility of a grant which is for ED area by suggesting other poorer areas could use the money more for example, or paying for someone's house to get a makeover as it's too much of an eyesore...really bizarre comments! I think the residents might tell you to get back to BM Cafe and stay there!