A'Villan

Newcastle showed a lot of quality in their match against West Ham. I think that's the only game I've seen in full other than Villa games this season.

How far things got with MK-ULTRA.

Ditto this, would be nice to check in with Kurt, he's an interesting guy and I really wish him well.

There's a homeless indigenous girl who busks that I get along well with. She's articulate, clean from alcohol and drugs, and the poor thing is only 20, and on the street. If you're familiar with indigenous Australians artwork, she's done me a piece on canvas that has all the usual vibrancy, depicting Aussie landscape and ocean. It's all dotted. Then, in stark contrast to that, she's included an oil rig with black dots trickling into the landscape and ocean, I may not have described it well but it's a great piece in my mind. I'll have to post a photo when I get the chance.

This doesn't really directly bother me, but I feel for those who it does piss off, my opponents, which is what really does piss me off. I'm on court to be a cold blooded killer executing against those trying to stop me from every angle. Not empathising because someone can't keep it honest. In one of the basketball teams I play in for fun, we've got a diver. A Sergio Busquets on the floor holding your face bad diver. It's so theatrical and he is so adamant that he was fouled, it's kind of embarrassing because he gets all indignant momentarily so the ref thinks it's genuine. He doesn't really speak English at all, add to that the unwillingness to concede he could play the game a bit more in the spirit of good sportsmanship. It's just domestic basketball at the end of the day, I should be enjoying it and having a laugh at how silly he is, but it actually irks me.

I wasn't a particularly big fan of the movie that came out this year, "JOKER".

Has he? Admittedly I've only seen some highlights of the Bulls vs Lakers game, which a more experienced side might've seen out.

Spain in the last world cup was boring. For all their possession Isco was the only one trying to penetrate lines and create. Not this though, this is poetry in motion. It's not the most exciting game of football when one side is so clearly above the other, but the sheer masterclass of skill is enough.

It honestly taste like a can of urine somebody farted in.

That's what I thought about English people after being exposed to Austin Powers in 1997

Yes!!! I was actually going to throw that in, but I thought no one would understand! You've just shown me there is hope for the world yet.

So I have a club guaranteed for the 2020 season, in the highest division I have ever played. The NBL is actually within reach now. I went through with selection trials despite playing with a fractured jaw and thankfully one team has given me a squad place guaranteed. I find out in a few hours if I have impressed at another club, and what role they are prepared to give me, I've got the vibe there's potential for me to be a starter there. And finally I have assembled a team to compete for the $10,000 prize money given out at the annual Prahran Summer Jam. The event is a one-day affair and winner takes all, not a bad earning for 10 hours of basketball. Only problem is last 3 events have been 40+ degrees Celsius days. The event attracts world class talent, like the best slam dunker in the world at the time, Jordan Kilganon flew out here and won the slam dunk contest. I could honestly care less about the prize money, I just love the way the community gets around and celebrates teamwork, the human spirit and athleticism.

Well said, open dialogue forms greater understanding as we explore more detail and perspective than if we were all on our own. FWIW, talking at each other was probably the wrong phrase, I just meant for me the exchange lacked clarity, and I was quite distracted when I replied, not so attentive. I think I understand your stance better now, and I can agree with it. Iniesta played near 500 games and scored less than one in 10. Lampard played the same in games but scored 3 times as many goals. Which is the better attacking midfielder? For me, it's Iniesta ninety-nine times out of a hundred..

Urban dictionary is your friend. Slang term for something wonderful or great, used commonly in Melbourne. Struth, Ruth, that was a fair dinkum grouse feed, chuck some more shrimp on the barby (BBQ). Is the kind of bogan language you will find down under.

Just watched another documentary on Jordan, more of a compilation story with commentary from all his peers and competitors. I think as time has gone on, and people's attention turn to the next generations, Michael Jordan becomes more and more underrated. 63 points against the 1986 Celtics, one of the greatest dynasties of all time in the year they played their best basketball ever. I don't even want him in the conversation but when has LBJ hit over 50 against a good side? Well, he hasn't. Above and Beyond is such a fitting title. And that is the documentary that allowed me to study the game and experience the hype and artistry. That was 23 years ago!

Basically every player that took the pitch for this dynasty. It's like watching a group of artists illustrate their unique and individual genius whilst working in tandem and harmony to express themselves.

I have had only praise for Luiz, even when he made that initial rookie error of letting the ball pass through his legs at the top of the box, it was right idea wrong end of the pitch. when I found out we were in for him I did some research and came across a City fans blog who scouts their development and academy players. He was adamant that Pep and staff were very excited about Luiz and saw him as Fernandinho's replacement, which is a big role to fill, when you consider Fernandinho's influence. Upon hearing this I was very eager to see Luiz play, and from the moment I did, I have been very impressed. However, I think those calling for him to play forward are mistaken. Luiz has the vision, touch and passing range to be a very effective DLP, so I could definitely see him play alongside Nakamba, both in holding roles. What's nothing short of fantastic for us, is that Luiz also possesses the doggedness, reading of the game and adequate physicality to be a pure defensive midfielder too. Lastly, he has the composure, technical ability and creativity to be very handy when going forward and in the final third, but I don't think he's an attacking midfielder personally. For me, he's like a hybrid between Mascherano's reading the game defensively, Pirlo's decision making and range of distribution and Modric's finesse and technique. I mean at 21 years old we have a very capable player already, and I truly hope we see him achieve his career aspirations right here with us at Villa.

Better out than in doesn't just apply to farting. University and VT are the only places I speak more than most. She'll be okay. At uni I'm always invited and encouraged to speak by my peers and my lecturers. So I do. As for VT, I love the discussion here, it's grouse. But thanks for your comment, I've been meaning to refrain from posting so often and so much. Timely reminder.

Some actual US politics? Instead of kiddy fiddlers of the rich and famous? I'm not sure the two are mutually exclusive. But it's all about priorities right? You're talking Donald "Grab Her By The Pussy" Trump of the Trump towers. Can you get more rich and famous? Which 'team' did better in a designated location is more important to governance than actually doing a good job?

@AVTuco How could I forget?! Giannis and the Bucks! Might of mentioned already but I bought a Giannis Hellas jersey. Being half Greek, how could I resist!?

So in other celebrity news, a girl who I went to primary and high school with has made millions off of her looks alone. She is the face of Adidas in Australia, Bonds, Chemist Warehouse, and probably a dozen other companies I never knew existed.. Her name is Steph Claire Smith, her brother and I were friends growing up, we were in the same year level, I feel like I've told this story before.. Anyway, I was shooting the breeze at the basketball court with some friends and she came up the other day.. One of my friends is adamant that her husband to be is rooting around shamelessly and she just wants to have a picturesque happy marriage. The only thing holding her back from having children already is her modeling career and capacity to make millions from her body and looks. I actually felt quite down for her when I left that meetup, because she probably is holding on to her dreams long after he's decided not to support them. I know it's none of my business, but f***ing upper class yuppies, I swear! Bunch of rich kids lost in a bubble it seems to me. This guy's getting his end wet at every opportunity, and possibly partly because he's her partner, and stringing her along for the ride.. It doesn't bother me because she's some stunning model who deserves better because of how pleasant she is at surface level. It bothers me because I think it so petty and immature full stop to abuse trust in a committed relationship, regardless of who's involved and on the receiving end. It's like winning the lottery to throw it all away down at the pokies. And I see this sh*t everywhere, it's like The Only Way Is Essex on steroids. Who can be the most shallow and undignified just to get one-up momentarily. I have had my rant and won't go on being indignant and sullen about a perceived problem for much longer, it's just about summer over here and the sun is out. I definitely am in need of some advice regarding relationships, I think I take them too seriously too soon. Got another date next week, just a coffee date, but I can tell she's excited to meet after making me jump through a few hoops. Sorry for the rant, again! Maybe I'll start a journal instead of taking it out on you poor folk at VT!

Played the last three weeks with a fractured jaw because selection trials are underway and the show goes on whether or not I am injured. Then last night I think I pulled a muscle in my quad, early on in a game, nothing I couldn't play through but just a reminder that injuries do come along. Pisses me off because I've put in the work to play at the highest level I ever have, no coach is going to select me if I am not there to impress. They need to see me contribute and raise the standards for the team they are trying to build before they take a chance on someone who's not played in the division.

Bit random but, you came to mind the other day and I wasn't even on VT or a computer. I think I was reflecting on something you'd offered some advice to me about. Which lead me to recall some of your other posts. You've got a good humour about you.

As my new favourite player? Markannen was my favourite Bulls player last season without doubt. Point-center who can shoot the 3pt shot. He's imressive. However, Coby White is not only my favourite Bulls player at the moment, but the player I'm most excited to watch in the whole league. We should've knocked of the Lakers the other day, 10pt lead in the 4th, and Coby was influential in that. He's got such solid fundamentals, great energy and a bit of showtime to go with it. Plus I play as a guard, so my favourite players have always been the same. Who are you most looking forward to seeing take the court this season?