Jessie

Thanks coach Beth, nice to have that explained so clearly

Yes, every time we've been in the winter it's been warm. Not mega hot, but I don't like mega hot. So warm sunshine for Christmas will do me fine. Besides, we're flying from Newcastle so it's bound to be an improvement on temperatures there.

I agree, it makes me feel uncomfortable too. Feels v obtrusive.

Fair enough, all good points. I was brought up going to protest after protest, but you're right, never with graphic images of animals in distress (not animal rights marches btw).

Me, my son, my mum, dad and big bro are off to Los Gigantes for Christmas. The festive period in Tenerife is really good fun, and it's v easy to get away from the Brits.

I got my son's hair cut in Fenwicks department store in Newcastle for a tenner which all my Geordie friends thought was the height of expensive and rip-off. Ha. Then I told them about my rent.

Here here, Chippy Minton

Seconded.

looks like more than enough to strike about to me

The strike is about pay freezes and austerity cuts

I support the teachers striking 100 percent, even if I have a day of inconvenience.

Saffron, I wasn't protesting the circus, I don't support the protest, but really I think the police presence was extreme. There are children in London much more vulnerable than those attending a circus with some animal rights protesters voicing their opposition (what do you expect them to do to the children??). And thanks, I know all about which charities I may or may not want to support (human rights, and yes, thanks, I know how to support them).

My 7 year old son is reading the Lucy and Stephen Hawkings books about a kid called George who goes travelling in space - they're great, like Dr Who but aimed at 7+ and lots of educational stuff about physics and astronomy: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Georges-Secret-Universe-Lucy-Hawking/dp/055255958X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347295557&sr=8-1 He's also just read this which he LOVED: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Hamster-Massacre-Katie-Davies/dp/1847385958/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347295686&sr=1-1 - The Great Hamster Massacre by Katie Davies (wife of Alan)

Well, don't get me wrong, I think there are much worse things to be protesting about. But surely there are much better things for the police to be doing, too. Personally, I took my son to zippos two years ago and it was brilliant, and I'm a committed vegetarian and have been for over 20 years. Thought the animals seemed happy and well tended, and wasn't there a big thing in the guardian a couple of years back too verifying their animal friendliness?

The OP didn't organise the protest though, did he? He just joined in.

Sounds to me like the police presence was a bit far fetched. Not that I agree with the cause of protest per se but we're allowed surely to voice opposition?

It may not be vandals! Whatever the cause, hope no one is hurt and will not impact any children on Monday. So much smoke - have had to close the kitchen window.

I made Larry Hagman a cup of tea once and he was very charming

Or just perhaps not the African kids, as this is an 'African' nightclub, whatever that means

I spent three awful hours in Dubai airport on my way back from NZ and that was enough for me. Why anyone would want to go there bewilders me.

Hope your child is okay Pripolla, and her friend. Must have been horrible for them.

Sounds like an awful experience, but a long thread on a very popular and influential website, a complaint to the council and a complaint to the owners does seem a tad excessive. I hate dogs, so would have hated this but I don't know if i would necessarily go to the council to complain, or for that matter post on here about it. I'd just write a letter of complaint to the owners, and never go again.

This must be another spoof!

This thread reads like a spoof. 'Too ugly for East Dulwich'? 'Visual pollution'? Makes me want to go out and buy a van and spray paint it.

or as i do - not v posh, but then I'm not - is marker pen straight onto the labels of the clothing