maqroll

30 Rock.

I've finally watched "O.J. Made in America" since it's recently been put on Netflix. I'd somehow not heard any reviews of the 5-part docuseries, so I had no idea just how **** good it is. In some ways it's not even directly about Simpson. It's much broader than just him. It's a fascinating cultural dissection of Los Angeles and by extension, American society at large in the second half of the 20th century and our intractable problems with racism, social cohesion, classism, misogyny, police violence, justice and celebrity worship. It's shocking and lurid and infuriating and of course tragic. I was surprised that they showed the murder scene photos. Massive pools of blood. Multiple angles and up close on the knife wounds. It was a butchering. As upsetting as the photos were, the thing that I found hardest to deal with were the multiple 911 calls from his wife over the course of their marriage, and the primal fear in her voice each time. She predicted her own murder. And she was badly let down by a system that should have protected her. As despicable a character as O.J. was, I still couldn't help but feel a tinge of pity for him as he spiraled downward when the public turned on him after his acquittal and he lost everything. I don't think there's ever been a fall from grace like his. He became a broken, pathetic figure, and I think anyone with normal human empathy can compartmentalize their assessment of him within a broader societal context, even if he was a terrible human being. O.J. was a victim as well, in a roundabout way. A victim of a quasi-apartheid caste system growing up in abandoned army barracks-turned public housing. A victim of low expectations, systemic oppression and internalized self-hatred as a product of that system. Once O.J. fell, America gleefully put its boot back on his neck and branded the N word on his forehead. Right back where he started from in the 1950's. And there is something really sad about that. His first wife who he met in high school in San Francisco is quoted as saying that "O.J. was an awful person back then.", which makes me think that O.J. was probably bad news since adolescence and that he lived a life of false pretense from the moment he began crafting his public persona as a nice, "unthreatening" black guy. The backdrop at the time being the Watts riots in the 60's and the burgeoning black liberation movement which other prominent black athletes were a part of, but Simpson rejected, and that angle is explored in the film. He seemed to reject his own blackness in favor of some other in-between category as he absorbed himself into wealthy, white social circles. "I'm not black, I'm O.J." sums it up succinctly. Of course, behind the cultivated nice guy image he was a brutal, violent maniac who should never have walked the streets again after he surrendered to police in his driveway. The entire saga is an incredible, sickening tragedy. It's a uniquely Los Angeles horror story in a way, but more than anything, it's a merciless indictment of our collective failures as a society. The film is almost 8 hours, and I didn't want it to end, despite it being really depressing. It's a staggering piece of journalism, and art. I woke up this morning haunted by it.

I feel sorry for Palace fans. They finally land what looks like a pretty savvy and progressive manager, but their dynamic attacking duo already have one foot out the door. Hopefully they can get a decent haul in return and find suitable replacements.

Yeah, this is very strange. In theory, NYCFC exists for precisely this reason. To tap into the domestic talent pool in the U.S.

His public persona from his playing days doesn't square with his persona since he's become a pundit. I quite like Alan Shearer.

I wouldn't rule out at least a 2 or 3 year dip for Liverpool with Klopp leaving and possibly Salah, VVD and maybe other key players involved in previous successes. Hopefully this incoming Dutch coach does a 10 Hag and we take full advantage. It also would not surprise me if Henry shuts the faucet off and imposes some Red Sox-style austerity for a few years.

Welcome to VillaTalk! I think some of your badges could be improved if you made the lions yellow. Edit: The same yellow you've already used. Some are calling it gold, but it looks yellow to me, and I'd rather it look more yellow than gold.

I believe this will be our first match vs a Mexican side, no? Did they publish this thinking Club America is in MLS?

Some interesting finds in the New York Times archive-

I'm very pleased that Edens is redeeming the image of American ownership at Villa and the Premier League.

All that fuss and embarrassment only to end up with a flat, milquetoast, back-to-square-one, Lerner-style badge. Unless Betano jumped the gun and used what they wrongly think is the new badge?

Emery probably could've been a Formula 1 champion if he wanted to, or maybe a Buddhist monk. He inhabits that zone few people ever reach. He radiates a sense of purpose and focus.

The people on the Spurs forum Cock Gobbler or whatever it's called seem to be resigned to 5th place.

If we can sign him on terms favorable to the club, I'm all for it.

He represents the club exquisitely.

His footwork is at a much higher level than even 9 months ago. Twists and turns in tight areas and then bursts of acceleration. He almost burned one of their defenders doing that but the ball just got away from him.

He was unplayable at times today!

Hopefully Jackson starts, he's so bad.

If we beat Chelsea, Spurs might down tools

Forced United celebrations says everything.

I hope City beat them 10-0

Oh dear

Ratboy is such a disgusting word removed

Poor attempt

Ten Hag clinging for life