JamieZ

I just came here to post that! I wish the issue were just about guns, but it's not. I mean, it's about guns—don't get me wrong—but it's also about a deeply entrenched social and institutional racism, and the country has a long road ahead of us if we're going to come out the other side. I think the good news is that it's past the point where the majority of the population can continue to ignore it. It's getting harder, even as a white resident in a small city in the North, to say, "Everything's fine. Things happen from time to time, but it's not a social issue." It's a social issue. It's an American issue, and it's one that's not going to go away by itself or one that can be solved with a quick fix. America has a race problem; it pre-existed automatic weapons and it would still exist with stricter gun control laws in place. Do I wish there were stricter gun control? Of course. I don't have a gun. I can't think of one conceivable reason that I would personally want to own a gun. Guns are freely available to me (apparently) and I still don't want a gun. The problem is, the people that see the wisdom and logic in the arguments against ready public access to high-powered firearms aren't the people who need convincing. So I don't know what to do about that.

There's talk of a DeAndre Yedlin loan to Norwich as Tottenham are planning to bring in Trippier. Probably a good move for Yedlin if it comes off. Kyle Walker certainly benefited from his loan spells.

I just wanted to make sure someone recognized this.

Good idea. There's a pool at the gym. Maybe I'll get into swimming.

Strained a muscle in my calf today, which should keep me laid up for a week or two. I switched to a forefront running style several years ago and that's done wonders for me in regard to avoiding injury, but I guess no one is immune from the occasional tweak or knock. In my case, I think it may have been from overtraining, as it came after a couple fifteen mile runs in short succession. I guess I'll focus on hitting the gym and doing some low-impact cardio (which I actively loathe—I get no gratification from cardio without the feeling of feet actually hitting the ground) in the meantime.

I'm American. I've lived abroad in Czech Republic and Israel. I'm currently back in the States and looking at other options overseas—maybe Asia this time. We'll see. There are challenges associated with making such a big jump, of course, but I obviously think it's worth it, as I keep doing it. If you have no preclusive encumberments—relationships, dependent family, mortgage, career, etc.—I recommend it as it really broadens and enriches your perspective on the world. I personally envy anyone with an E.U. passport as it makes it so much easier to move within Europe and to get visas. If you have the opportunity, I say go for it.

If money were not a factor, I would trade the players mentioned on this list with the players on our 'Summer Speculation' list in a second.

Used to go see them play all the time when I lived in Austin. Their live shows could be anywhere from inspired to aimless rambles depending on how high they were. When they were on form, they were great...but they usually weren't. 'Passover' is a solid album for sure. They also featured on the last UNKLE record, in a track called 'Natural Selection' which is an absolute belter. I'm really into a lot of those affiliated or similar style bands like Autolux, Duke Spirit, Black Angels, BRMC, Joy Formidable, Brian Jonestown Massacre.... Same! Not heard of autolux though, gunna listen now Autolux is Greg Edwards from Failure's band. They're not all killer, but they certainly have their moments. Carla Azar is a totally sick drummer.

I really hate to join the chorus on this, but the goalkeeping at this Women's World Cup has been positively abysmal. Hope Solo has proved that a much higher standard is possible, but thus far, I've not seen another keeper who even approaches her level. Hopefully, it's an issue of infrastructure and development, and that the standard will improve significantly as the sport grows worldwide.

they have like fourteen right backs there its ridiculous. Should we go after Walker or Yedlin? Yedlin looks a talent, a lot to learn though and as we saw with Walker you can be the most incredible athlete but if you can't defend you're going to get found out at the highest level! That may be why Klinsmann has been using him in the midfield late in matches. He certainly does provide a spark off the bench—and astonishing pace—but he's not yet demonstrated that he can hold down the right back role for a full ninety minutes. And don't get me wrong, I'm quite high on the guy, but he's still in the middle of a very steep learning curve and may not be ready for the responsibility of a weekly starting role.

Yeah, I suppose that's a whole different thing, then. I thought Ramadan was sunrise to sunset? Or is it somehow tied to sunset in Mecca? Either way, then, I think consolidation is the name of the game. Resign yourself to losing some muscle weight, focus on leaning up a bit, and then hit the ground running so to speak in the third week of July. I'd still consider the idea of yoga or one of those 'Insanity'-type programs you can do at home. If you view fasting as a kind of built-in yearly reset, it doesn't seem so detrimental to your routine.

I fast for three weeks yearly in March and I try to continue my routine as much as is possible, although you can't help but switch gears a bit. Generally, I'll go down to a very simple diet—something like yogurt and granola in the morning and a protein shake at sunset. I'll usually work out just before sunset, if possible—or I'll run before I eat in the evening and then lift weights afterward, if I have the time or energy. Obviously, you don't have the same strength you would normally, so I'll cut back on weight (or when I'm running, distance) as necessary and focus on doing what I can. Really, I just view the period as a physical reset or consolidation period and not "lost time" or anything like that. I find I often come out of it ready to regain what I've lost in terms of strength and endurance in relatively short order. If you're going to skip the gym entirely, I suppose I'd focus on simple bodyweight exercises—pushups, pullups, crunches and planks—in addition to as much cardio as you're comfortable with. Or switch gears entirely and try yoga or something for a month.

Used to go see them play all the time when I lived in Austin. Their live shows could be anywhere from inspired to aimless rambles depending on how high they were. When they were on form, they were great...but they usually weren't. 'Passover' is a solid album for sure.

I'm going to withhold judgment. It's not the type of signing that makes me bubble with excitement, but I'll give him every chance to come in and do a job. We're giving Sherwood a chance to put his mark on the team now, and I'm not going to judge his signings until he's had the opportunity to put his vision into action. But yeah, £65K a week does seem like quite a lot...

I was kidding. But it is pretty bad. As to your other points, I continue to think of Bradley as "the one who got away", and I think Yedlin's lack of chances this spring come mostly from being a young player moving to a new club as a winter transfer right on the back of a full MLS season. I think the Gold Cup this summer will give him a chance to get some steady minutes with the national team, find his form, and go into next season in a better position to put himself in the picture at Tottenham. It's still early days for him. Would I love to have him (either of them) at Villa? Of course. Do I think it'll happen? Not likely. I, for one, would be happy to see us go for a player like Jordan Morris. The kid is a spark of energy and he doesn't seem to be afraid of anybody. This could be his summer.

Guzan is pretty good, but his distribution is abysmal.

For what it's worth, the United States just beat the Netherlands and Germany this week with a team including lower league players and (seriously) college students. (And Michael Bradley, who is a stud.) There are players out there to be found in our price range.

Yep, shot at was right height to be saved I don't get this. It would have been an absolutely stunning save to keep that shot out. There has been some dodgy goalkeeping at this World Cup—Hope Solo has been the only keeper thus far to inspire any confidence—but I wouldn't single that goal out as evidence of it.

England are struggling to put anything together. France clearly the superior team in a generally dull match.

What's the deal with that anyway? Obviously the standard is lower across the board but the gap is biggest when it comes to goalkeeping. I've never understood how they could be so bad. Like, they're worse than your average under 14's keepers, and there's no real reason for it I can see. Goalkeeping ruins the women's game for me. Make the bloody goals smaller or something for them, they're just not able for it otherwise Making the goals smaller would make a lot of sense. The most famous female goalkeeper is Hope Solo who is 5ft 9in, standing in a goal designed to offer a challenge for goalkeepers like Joe Hart at 6ft 5in. Shay Given always looks a bit small because he's only 6ft. Hope Solo.. we all enjoyed her photos during the fappening! Reminded me of the sarlacc pit in Return of the Jedi 'Enjoyed' is definitely the wrong word, I nearly lost my lunch. I don't get the reference...but something tells me I should probably just let it be.

Australia level. USA defense has been atrocious.

...And she scores.

USA off to a poor start versus Australia, but Megan Rapinoe is the class player on the pitch.