silverfox

Now the Dutch turn against legalised mercy killing "Legalised euthanasia has led to a severe decline in the quality of care for terminally-ill patients in Holland, it has been claimed. Many ask to die 'out of fear' because of an absence of effective pain relief, according to a new book. Even the architect of the controversial law has admitted she may have made a mistake in pushing it through because of its impact on services for the elderly ..." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1234295/Now-Dutch-turn-legalised-mercy-killing.html

No, I wouldn't insult your intelligence by pretending I believed you seriously meant that line of argument. Seriously, I think people have to accept the argument that Capital Punishment as a deterrent doesn't work and is absurd. However, as some posters above have mentioned, Capital Punishment as society's revenge isn't absurd. The idea that a society can find certain categories of crime so abhorrent that the punishment is death on the basis that the perpetrator has forfeited the right to live within that society and also that justice is seen to be done is not absurd. Whether we regard such a position as right or wrong is of course open for debate. But it is not absurd. (edited for typo)

Or the absurdity of rapper Fur Q's 'philosophy'

What I want to know is who has to pay the ?4m compensation? The Italian state? If Knox's/Sollecito's family, what if they can't afford it and why should they be punished?

Tomatoes can 'eat' insects Garden vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes have been found to be deadly killers on a par with Venus fly traps, according to research. "... We may be surrounded by many more murderous plants than we think ... " http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6727709/Tomatoes-can-eat-insects.html

Japanese man 'marries' computer game character A Japanese man infatuated with a character in a computer game has married the object of his desires in a solemn ceremony in Tokyo. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6718706/Japanese-man-marries-computer-game-character.html

Dead Fly Art By Flychelangelo Artist who uses dead flies to create art is causing a real buzz http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Dead-Fly-Art-By-Flychelangelo---Dead-Flies-Used-In-The-Work-By-An-Artist-Dubbed-Flychelangelo/Media-Gallery/200910215401952?lpos=World_News_News_in_Picture_Strange_News_Region_2&lid=GALLERY_15401952_Dead_Fly_Art_By_Flychelangelo_-_Dead_Flies_Used_In_The_Work_By_An_Artist_Dubbed_Flychelangelo

I realise you're a fan Sean and there's nothing wrong with that. But you have to agree this momentous occasion has gone down with a whimper. Where were the bells pealing, the fireworks illuminating the sky from the London Eye, the street parties across the length and breath of the Kingdom as we welcomed our new president along with the other 500 million citzens of the EU who weren't given the chance vote for him?

At midnight last night, the United Kingdom ceased to be a sovereign state The UK became instead a subordinate unit within a European state. This has happened without popular consent, and in the absence of the referendum that all three parties had promised. http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100018459/at-midnight-last-night-the-united-kingdom-ceased-to-be-a-sovereign-state/

Chinese husband allows wife to attack him once a week "...The 32-year-old man ... took the unusual step after suffering intense abuse from his wife, who studies kung fu. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/6703629/Chinese-husband-allows-wife-to-attack-him-once-a-week.html

I think you can be excused your aggression sophiesofa and the Evening Standard has an article on this theme: Tube overcrowding 'is turning Londoners into selfish animals' http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23777648-tube-overcrowding-is-turning-londoners-into-selfish-animals.do

Oh sorry, wrong thread. I thought this was about localgirlwithdreads

I'm waiting with baited breath for Dulwich Mum's post on Tessa Jowell's 'Huge funding boost for East Dulwich schools' in the gossip section

Fair play to you Michael

Every curry house yes, but not 90% of all the dishes offered on each of their menus. But if Mr Ben is svelte then maybe comparing 500-odd dishes is the way to go - beats Gillian McKeith's fare hands down every time for me.

Are you a large man Mr Ben, ie should you be paying more to use the bus? Fair play to you, if you've tasted 90% of all the curries available on Lordship Lane I salute you.

Michael Palaeologus said: "... The posh meat shop on Lordship Lane has opened a second shop outside Dulwich Hospital ..." Boy oh boy I could have some fun with this ... (fainting from exhaustion while queuing etc) ... better not though ...

Man with sexual fetish for slurry jailed http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6671012/Man-with-sexual-fetish-for-slurry-jailed.html (apologies if a similar thread has previously been started. Things that have made me laugh didn't seem quite right)

Steady tiger - it's not me who raised this, the world's media are carrying Ireland's request to be included on their websites and back pages as we speak whether you think it's tiresome or not.

Distinction between dodgy handball and two deliberate handballs

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The other thing to remember is Ireland weren't > even through before the handball - they were > looking like facing a penalty shoot out! True - but irrelevant. They went out because of the handball, not because of what may or may not have happened in a penalty shoot out. Have I mentioned instant video-replays for referees?

Oh, I see - the first report wasn't that clear. Ireland is asking that the competition is expanded, but if Ireland is allowed to participate Costa Rica will also have to be included it appears.

Sky News: Ireland Ask To Be 33rd World Cup Team Can someone please explain to me how this works?

Perhaps that's why rappers use the word - to challenge prevailing norms as an act of rebellion

Obese air passenger in economy seat has picture taken http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6671018/Obese-air-passenger-in-economy-seat-has-picture-taken.html