Annec's activity

 ...many many animals die slow and painful deaths every day out of human sight.  Everything from hedgehog to wolf to wild boar. So to that extent we are all "guilty" of "out of sight out of mind".  So I don't think it is really that surprising that many people react the same to semi-domesticated animals when they suffer the same fate. I agree that we have more responsibility for these animals, since we are usually the reason for their existence in the first place.  But that's more an argument for responsible breeding strategies than it is a reason to criticise those who don't react like we may to half-wild dogs and cats. There was a thread on the old forum about the very real dangers of packs of wild dogs.  Again, a good argument for preventing them being born in the first place, but also makes it much more understandable as to why people would want to keep their distance. Abruzzo's post lady is obviously a very good person.  But I can't help thinking if the strays are well-fed then they're more likely to breed successfully creating more strays.  I would have thought her money would be better spent on a neutering programme.

  I'm guessing because the right chemicals are not being added.....

Definitely second Penny's recommendation of having integral fly screens

 Have you read the Steig Larsson trilogy?  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; The girl something else; The Girl who kicked a hornet's nest. Gripping - I defy you not to read them in one sitting http://www.stieglarsson.com/

  Nils - if you are interested in this part of history you might find this website interesting: http://camp59survivors.wordpress.com/

They seem alive and well in T These seem alive and well in all the towns around us.  Bit samey - and usually a spectacular selection of granny pants.  But loads of fruit veg cheese etc.  And the fried fish van - the smell of which makes my daughter heave but which I love

  haven't been following it all that closely but: - Given that everyone complains A LOT about nepotism, massive tax evasion, and general corruption in Italy I don't think it's possible to defend the judicial system as somehow above all that.  Lawyers may work hard to ensure the rule of law is upheld (that's why they are often first up against the wall in bl**dy revolutions), but they can only work with the system they've got. - As I understand it, a lot of the decision-making in European judicial processes takes place before it ever gets to court.  I think that's what the Observer piece meant.  The UK follows the US system more closely ( actually it's the other way round of course) in that the Police investigate, the Crown Prosecution Service decides whether their investigations reveal enough evidence to make out a prima facie case, and then the whole thing is handed over to the Court.  More division of responsibilities. Not that I'm saying the UK system is above reproach (Guildford 4 onwards.....) I remember a Dutch woman who was in the same seminars as me talking about how our notion of "trial by your peers" is viewed abroad.  A Judge had said to her that they couldn't understand how the system could allow 12 (or 15) untrained Joe Publics off the street (probably either students or retired, since everyone else tries to get out of it) to decide the fate of the accused. Having been on a jury I think he has a bit of a point, though of course he was probably just trying to bolster his own professional position. And there have been a few famous cases where juries have found innocent in cases where they've been told by the Judge that the evidence against the accused is overwhelming.  In particular during the Thatcher years.

And so have I, as a backup to jepson's

Woodburner every time.  After all - you can always open the door and turn it into an open fire if you want

And am I to understand that you live in the village of Madonna's father??