LibraCarr

Hi, Just a quickie to make you aware that the following businesses that have had incidents, so you may want to use cash as an alternative. Texaco Garage - Grove Vale, East Dulwich Budgens Convenience Store - Lordship Lane, East Dulwich Costcutter/Jet Service Station - East Dulwich Road, East Dulwich Tesco's (Metro outlet) - East Dulwich Road, East Dulwich The way that some fraudsters obtain your pin number is by using a remote camera, they place it above the keyboard and read.When they start to get noticed the retrieve the camera and move on to the next hole in the wall. A simple tip is that if you sight anyone sitting in a car/van facing the machine,then do not use that machine. Always look above the keyboard for the camera, but do not remove it as they might get annoyed! A remote camera needs a clear signal view and needs no more that 25 yards to obtain good recordable footage. If you have had a problem and want to change banks, I would suggest the coop bank, they rang me at 23.00 and asked if I was in India, as transactions were tendered over the previous two - three hours. They limited my card to UK transactions for an hour to allow me to withdraw cash, on the understanding that as soon as I had withdrawn the money I would call them back to advise them. In a couple of day's I had a new card and pin number. Another area that is sus is Peckham, literally all machines have been amended at some stage. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, It must be me that cannot understand the thinking. If the administator ask's you not to comment on a certain item then respect the request - we are guests on his/her website. On the matter of the bailiff action, clearly they had a problem with the services to the property, and (probably) decided to withold payment/rent to the landlord in this respect. The terms of a lease/ rental agreement require the monies owed to the landlord be paid on a certain date or time, if this has not happened then clearly the owners are in their right to take possession. The moral of the story is to be aware that the agreement that you have signed must be adhered to. The service/property rented/leased that you have aquired to trade and make money must also make money for the owner. The law must be upheld, and when two parties enter an agreement, they do expect the other party to adhere. I hope that the tenants of the property can resolve matters and still serve with a smile some fine wines! Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, A better Doctor for both looks, personality and dress is Dr Cunningham. A thirty something Mum with a gorgeous Scottish accent. She works at DMC. I suppose that I should not have posted this as I now will not be able to get an appointment when I want. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, Just a thought.... Is Sainbury's busy because of the promotion "Computers for Schools" or is it because their produce is slightly more palatable than other large shops in the area? Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, People have been caught driving in the bus lane due to the fact that the busses have cameras fitted to the front of the bus. Therefore, if you do not want a fine don't pull in front of the bus. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, Turkey necks make a good stock for soups stews etc! Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, Has anybody noticed any workmen actually turning up and working on the abandoned holes in Northcross Road. They start at the junction with Lordship Lane (the first hole is dangerous - outside a pub)and go the length of the road. I might try and get a job like that, dig a hole and disapear for a week until its payday! Regards, Libra Carr.

Hello, My friend Quantum Quaser is looking for a friend, he does not have many friends. I have suggested that he changes his name to Bert Braithwaite. With this sexy sounding name he might just appeal to the masses! Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, If anyone wants a free cookery lesson or advice, I am only to happy to offer. Cooking a steak is easy but get ten chefs together and they will all disagree. Basically and very quickly I would suggest that you turn on the heat, put a small amount of olive oil in the pan. When the oil moves freely stick any kind of tester (chip, Carrot baton or anything edible) into the pan and if after 2-3 seconds the tester starts to sizzle the fat is hot enough. If it does'nt then the oil is not hot enough. Place (when at the right temperature) the steak into the oil and leave for about four minutes moving the steak every minute or so. When the four minutes is up turn the steak over and leave for a further two minutes (depending on meat thickness). Take a very sharp knife (you carry borrow one from most children in Peckham) make a small cut in the centre of the steak, if red juice flows this is rare, if white juice flows this is medium to well done, and if no juice flows at all then it is well done. I find that this is a sure fire way to test steaks and not get them sent back, but remember the cut to test only needs to be small. Happy eating. Libra Carr.

Hi, During opening hours DVH do servicing of cars and vans for local customers. It might be that they need to park the vehicles on the street to maximise the earning potential. I agree, it is not right and having been at the address for quite a while you think that they would try to consider their neighbours. Another culprit was the taxi firm at the bottom of Oakhurst Grove, in the winter the drivers would sit in the cars overnight with the engines running to keep warm. The office closed down, but you still get the taxis parking up and making inconsiderate noise. Regards, Libra Car.

Hi, When food is served, it should all get to the table at the same time. It is quite embarassing you eating and a female not and still waiting. The joy of multiple orders is that you prep up the more time consuming meal first and the simpler meal to prepare last (on a sliding scale) wallah (or how its spelt) all meals are served at the same time... Happy customers. One company that is at fault is Morrisons the supermarket. They take the orders as first come first served, which is nice but imagine that that you have done your shopping and want a bowl of soup and a roll. The roll is ready and the soup is in the cauldron nice and hot. Before you are ten or more meals on order, instead of bypassing the run of orders you may have to wait 30-40 minutes for your quick snack. Sadly, common sense does not prevail in kitchens anymore. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, Over the last year I have seen the lorry badly park and get at least 5 parking tickets. I am of the belief that as the lorries are dutch the council do not enforce the tickets, which will frustrate even a parking warden. Also given the size and weight (44 Tons max) they would have to engage the services of a STGO CAT 2 recovery vehicle to remove the truck. I think the simple answer is to speak with the shop owner. If that does not resolve the matter complain to the police as parking on zig zag lines in a offence under the Road Traffic Act. Regards, Libra Carr.

Dear, Dear, Me. I forgot to mention that the wine is Red Label, an aperitif type of drink I believe. I do not drink it myself but buy it for the family, in respect of abstinence and moderation, I will pass your comments on and hopefully they will realise that I am being to kind to them. Isn't it easy to mis-read a posting!. Regards, as Always. Libra Carr. Ps. I do have the occasional lager though!

Dear Peckham Gate Crasher, I am sorry that you read my message wrong, it clearly reads 'Benefits or salary' thus meaning if you are lucky to have a job then you would be receiving a salary (either weekly, fornightly or monthly). If you, and this is not directed at you personally, were not too have a job then you would be receiving benefits. I may be wrong but I thought I was correct in encompassing all incomes. Secondly, I apologise for the Ceramic shop. I have walked down the road to the side of the shop and they do have a kiln and also a spinning wheel. That said, they may have removed it as I have not been past there for some weeks. And finally thank you for the compliment, Its nice that you think I am one when you have never met me. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, So many questions and so little time to answer, but here goes: In reply to Marks question I have pasted comments from this subject as follows:Re: Raisin - Closed down Posted by: Cassius February 10, 12:43PM I never went into Raisin, but I must say I do sometimes wonder why people do things that they are so obviously not cut out for! Working in a shop entails having a certain attitude to the people that come in - ie being polite and helpful! Options: Reply To This Message?Quote This Message?Reply via Private Message (PM)?Follow This Thread?Report This Message Sponsored link - Re: Raisin - Closed down Posted by: Momo February 10, 05:53PM Booteeki...take note... In fairness to all trades on this strip I will comment on the postings that have been placed: The pottery shop - is it not a bit silly to openly admit to getting ratted whilst in a pottery shop where there are kilns and turntables? The arts and craft shop. This shop did not have the craft pens that I needed, I now go to Lordhip Lane as there are a couple of shops that stock most items. The Laundry. I used to enjoy going into the place, but it was always full up and overpriced. The owners are lovely though! The Cafe. The owner here is also very nice. I went in three sunday's ago and waited 15 minutes for two teas and sandwiches to take away, whilst waiting he asked me three times if I wanted tomato sauce and sugar. He works very hard and is struggling to make ends meet, he works seven day's a week. If he took a day off just to re-group and look at where he could improve the service, his business would pick up. The newsagents. I have found it quite irritating on occasions when I have waited to be served whilst the person behind the counter is on the phone to India! Also, and quite sadly the elderley gentleman is very slow, if you are in a hurry to top up your oyster, it makes you a little irritable. I suppose it is nice that if you have no money he will give you credit, but surely it is bad organising that you run out of money before your next benefit payment or salary? and are cigarettes really that important The Chinese and Codfather - see previous comments. The barbers. Now here is a gem, take a look at the mafia style photo's on the wall and the cut throat razors. It is sometimes hard to understand him, so you have to be tolerant. He opens at 7am every day and on a saturday brings his wife in with him (It saves kissing her goodbye!) His success is that he is polite and cares about his job. The supermarket. I get on really well with them and always have a laugh in there. The down side to this business is that the fresh vegetables as you enter look 'tired'. I have spoken to him about this and I am of the belief that if he displayed the veg in a way that is done on L/L it would attract more sales. He has a good selection of curries and condiments right at the back of the store and cheap as well. One niggly little pint is that I used to buy a bottle of wine a day from them, the price was ?4.99, without reason he upped the price to ?5.99! Needless to say I now buy the same wine at ?4.99 in L/L saving a pound a day. Well, I hope that answers all your replies. Take Care Libra.

Hi to all, I was interested in this business as I live in the road opposite. I never ever saw anyone go into the shop. I thought the transacted business was therefore completed on the web. It is really sad when someone decides to put money into a venture and with the best will in the world they fail to make a success of it. It was probably not well thought out as a business plan. Take a look at businesses on this strip.... The Green has closed down, the chinese restaurant has never taken off (to much monsodium glutomate in the food) - I am a Chef not a dictionary. The Codfather re-branded itself with a good name but no change to working practices, and I believe the pottery franchised cafe at the end of the parade has had three franchises that have lost their monies. This arcade is being oversold to potential lessees. The only people that do well at the arcade is the grocery store and to a less extent the barbers. Before you comment please be armed with knowledge, it is so easy to make comments and make other customers shy away and not give the shops a chance. If this is a community site, should we not be upping the local businesses to succeed or should we (as in previous comments) slag off the Codfather and Booteeki! Fair comment is that if you have had a bad experience with either of the latter, let it be known. If not your unsolicited comments harm the traders in this area. Hear endeth the first lesson. Libra Carr.

unapproved by me because it's a whinge and this is a non moaning thread - mark Hi all, I really like the numbheads that walk across the bottom of Northcross Road on a Saturday without looking, and also the stall holders that exit the back of the stalls. It is like a game of virtual people bowling! When you toot to advise that you are there they look at you and utter the shortened version of that you are devoid of parentage. I also like the high priced junk that people buy there. Its good that the residents of East Dulwich are keen on recycling. regards, Libra Carr.

Sadly, to many people do not know about setting up a sound system. If you are a professional bar manager (or even a dj that has not had time to do a sound check) the guide is for base level to be on a half setting, treble on three quarters, the equalizer sliders in a wide 'V' either up or facing down set in the middle. This will give you a fair sound which you can tweek up. Also you need to stand in the middle of the room/venue and make sure all speakers are at the same level. For level of sound, background music should be set at 5% above customer noise - Sound meters are easily available, and makes your customers happy and of course the neighbours. I think the problem with the Uplands is that sweet barmaid (looked like Kylie), and as pleasant, is currently away in the east on a dancing jobby. She served you with a full pint, smile and did not keep you waiting. Different to the manageress (the blonde Essex hairdresser type, complete with 4x4) she does not want to serve you and she always has a face like a slapped botty. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, I spoke with the former manager, a frenchman and extremely polite, a couple of weeks ago. He had a new job in N1. He got the sack after a week. I got the impression that he was to good for the restaurant and the owner felt threatened. He was a asset to the Green and filled the place, still money is essential, especially if you are a greedy owner. Regards, Libra Carr.

Ha Ha, I have had great fun over the last few years doing corporate functions where we are billed as the 'Sunshine Boy's Not only doing the barbie but dj'ing at the same time. If cooking is busy we slap a mix on for ten minutes. It has also proved extremely profitable as the client believes he gets value for money, and also that there is only one accountable person. By the way do you drive a Aston Martin? Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi all, It is really sad that the Green has closed down due to high rents (?47k per year). The strip has a fish restaurant which is struggling along with the chinese restauarant, also it appears that Raisins has closed too. It is rumoured that a Italian restaurant will open there soon, but with that rent, the rates, staff and purchase of ingredients and liquor the cost to profit ratio will have to be a markup of 1000% to survive! Unless of course Tom Aitken or Gordon Ramsey are at the helm. Regards, Libr Carr.

Hi, I have a 3k kick ass sound system, laser and lights. I was in the top three of the UK DJ of the year competition and charge ?125.In East Dulwich only because it is fun and enjoyable. A different matter when I have to present a live roadshow in the summer at county show's Gala's etc, because I have to travel the day before (in case of a breakdown) I charge upwards of ?1k and have only 3-4 dates left. When asked what I am like my agent states that I am a cross between Steve Wright and Chris Evans. Thinking, I am not sure if that is a compliment.

Hi all, Have you noticed that now cheaper cuts have been highlighted in meals by the sleb chef's, the price has risen. Oxtail is now more expensive than rump. I put mine in a slow cooker, with butter beans and Caribbean three beans, and leave for eight hours. I serve this with Rice and beans, which you can cheat on by inserting cooked kidney beans into the rice once cooked. Add some spice Walla!

Hi, If your stews take two hours, clearly the settings on your cooker are wrong. All veg cooked and chopped small then introduced into boiling water with stock take a max of twenty minutes to cook. If you use neck end of lamb then this will take longer. By the time you get undressed, find a decent towel, shower, do your hair and shave (if you are male)then put on your night attire on it will take more than twenty minutes (unless you are a mucky tyke). My suggestion is turn your cooker down and read Einsteins theory on relativity, your food should be cooked, and you will be more wiser at the same time. Regards, Libra Carr.

Hi, Just a quick hint. When we are prepping salads we place ground black pepper on the salad leaves. when the leaves are laid put the fruits (tomato, peppers, cucumber etc)on top. Then place finely chopped coriander (chopper available from Ikea) on the top. Garnish till you have reached the top of the bowl, cover in cling film and leave in the fridge at a low temp for a hour. the flavour of the coriander, herbs, and pepper make a really tasty salad.