NJS

Not that it was ever an excuse, but I always found it interesting that a place like Newcastle which probably has the lowest black population of any English city did have a problem with racism at football (as did/do the Mackems) which is sort of understandable from a "fear of anything different" point of view since not many people in the NE mixed with many black immigrants. I always thought that made places like West Ham worse in some ways as they must have had black mates growing up - the same applies to Liverpool/Everton.

The rest of the Carribean countries aren't exactly thriving are they? - I suppose they'll have to go all out on tourism but I don't know if that will support the whole population - freedom of emmigration will probably be a problem for the US. I remember being struck by how bad the American attitude to them was when Clinton who I thought was a decent bloke, early in his presidency stated that nothing was going to change and basically called them worse than shit. I know there are rights issues but the bullying by the US going back 45 years is fucking pathetic - not helped by the bitter bastards in Florida who you'd think would be happy they'd escaped.

Sorry, if you mean the one about the philosophical influences then no, I haven't read either. My position on religion is the usual bitter ex-catholic, semi-intelligent ranting.

JFK had to make a point when he was elected saying he wouldn't look to the Vatican or his faith when making decisions. I'd liked to have asked Ruth Kelly and others to make the same pledge in the UK - something I think she would have failed on.

I used to have an audio cassette with Mick Lowes' commentary for all of 92/93 which made great listening at the time.

I noticed he also criticised "social consensus" in relation to anything relating to rights that goes against church teaching - progess and democracy is what I'd call it.

My favourite radio moment: "My God, Cascarino has scored again"

Did a topic search honest guv - cheers Besty.

After returning two shit alarm clock/radios from Argos, I ordered a fuck off model on Friday which it turns out is out of stock so they're going to send me the next one up for the same price. It has the WI-FI internet/ media player client I wanted but also has a feature to access Last.fm I used to use Pandora before it was barred and discovered some good stuff throught it but hadn't really bothered looking for a replacement which this looks like it may be. Has anyone tried it?

I noticed a couple of times he was shrugged off the ball a bit easily - I'm all for lithe/nimble/skillfull players but maybe he could toughen up a bit.

The system seems to be caught in the middle between the old days when you had to be rich to be in public service (ironic given the present mob) and paying a decent salary compared with how much they could earn in London given some of their qualifications. As a former contractor I still resent the way what is essentially a 4/5 year contract has full employee benefits - I'd be happy to see them as contractors (at a decent rate) which would also allow timesheet based scrutiny of what they actually do.

I can see how the head of a hospital employing 100s of people could "justify" that level of salary but teachers and to some extent GPs seems a bit much imo.

I was impressed with Saturday but want to see us beating the poorer teams more "routinely" and giving the good teams a game before I go all CT and talk about Europe.

As a postscript to his Atheism/Nazi remarks, I was reading last night that two types of books that were definitely banned in Germany were any books on evolution icluding On the Origin of Species and also any book which criticised Christianity. I get the impression the Pope thinks its still the Middle ages and the only source of knowledge is the Church - someone should tell him about t'internet.

I think Barton deserves a mention as well - thought he was excellent.

Smith for Tiote (knock).

replay says yes. Probably fooled by Nolan's touch on the ball making it look like a good tackle but he took his legs

And now "you've never won fuck all" - God I hate scouse cunts.

Ref just bottled sending off Fellaini.

Both French commentators on my stream came out with "ooh la la" for Perch's yellow card tackle It's going to kick-off soon - I'd be surprised if there's no reds.

I don't mind being the first to say it - very Robert like.

First "What a fucking goal" for ages

Marriner's giving them everything.

My O level French is being stretched way beyond its limit by this commentary but its strangely comforting to have no Pleat/Marwood/other cunt to bite at.

They used to put people in asylums for delusions which don't some within a million miles of that shit.