A'Villan

@limpid You want me to make that case? Fair enough. Step up or shut up, I can appreciate that. I've always admired the conviction and authority you write with on any subject, and I appreciate you making the last point as you have. There is one part of your most recent replies which makes me second guess my stance, which is your "correlation with causation" comment. I have no insight as to why you made it, which makes me wonder if I am missing something that I should be aware of. I was under the impression that it was clearly a relevant topic considering the details we are privy to regarding Epstein's life and dealings. No he never became a politician himself, but surely you are familiar with the Koch family spending just short of a billion on influencing U.S political campaigns? The Kochs also created philanthropic entities that enable them to aggressively pursue a libertarian agenda of lower taxes, deregulation of business and denial of climate change. What's this got to do with Epstein? Same story, different pen. The rich don't work for money, money works for the rich, and the parallels are there. It's no surprise then that Epstein also started philanthropic entities, made political donations, and to the same politicians who he also supplied women to. So while he is not a politician himself, he holds clout and is undeniably associated with political figures of some influence. Trump shared his private jet. This is why I thought it obvious that he is relevant to to U.S political discussions, should someone want to bring him up, as he is the epitome of the culture entrenched in politics. Anyway, Epstein excelled himself into success within the banking industry because he was good at tax mitigation for their wealthy clientele. He later was a 'pioneer' of expanding the kind of debt that could be created between a borrower and a lender. The guy's a financial engineer, not a politician. He also had* his hand in Israeli military and intelligence. He could have brought down some serious corruption should he of got to tell his side of the story to the court and the public. We simply won't know. Under 24 hour suicide watch, and he commits suicide? Right.

I think you'll find I think it has everything to do with politics. Whether that be the discussion of governance and which party is suitable. Or the activities aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organization. Epstein case makes the facade that emanates transparency and integrity a little less credible. But I'm not going to argue with a mod as to what he deems appropriate.

I guess it's one for the conspiracy thread. He undeniably had U.S political connections and made numerous donations. There are documents containing flights records showing that President Donald Trump flew on Epstein’s private plane in 1997. Another document in which former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and other prominent political figures are said to have had sex with a woman provided by Epstein.

Have we covered how Jeffrey Epstein managed to commit suicide in this thread? That case just about sums up my thoughts on the whistleblower protection act.

@kurtsimonw During our discussions I have some insights that I'll share here.. I have been reminded that any advice or perspective I give another for the betterment of someone else's life is only as good as it sounds to the person it's directed toward. Simply giving my version of what's happening and why or how it should be different, is nothing more than a personal expression, and could be seen as unsolicited or condescending. You have a remarkable intelligence and logical mind. I think the latter, despite your evident talent and knack for using it, can cause you some headaches though. I say it seems to cause you headaches simply because, you can identify clearly what reasons there are for a belief, and in doing so strengthen the bond to that belief, as you go. Reasoning is taking what is given to us, comparing it with what was understood already, and coming to a conclusion. It's only as good as the quality of detail we have to go with. It's a reflection of what we know and what we can ascertain. A wonderful ability to have. And you have that ability in abundance. It's a sure sign of intelligence. For me, and I must stress I'm just shooting the breeze here, it's also very healthy to be able to say, "I don't know", because a lot of the time we aren't privy to it all. "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution" - Einstein This quote is because I want you to dream bigger than the current climate and circumstances you find yourself in. Don't assume that's all there is to it. "There is nothing noble about being superior to your fellow man, true nobility comes from being superior to your former self" - Ernest Hemingway This one is because I am of the thought that this is your journey and you can define it and add meaning to it for yourself. But also, the word 'competition derives from Latin and actually means "to search together for self fulfillment" and there is nothing inherently or innately unkind about it. At its root, competition is about searching out your best through the help of your peers! It's about connection and not divorce from each other and the world that we belong to. I think you may find a greater sense of spiritual growth and well-being if you begin to allow yourself to be loved. Being loved is not having a light constantly shined on our inadequacies. We have discussed the idea of self-love being integral to a better quality of relationship on here before, please excuse me if I sound like a broken record with this next analogy.. If we are told what it is like to be burnt, regardless of how elicit and descriptive the words are, is it the same as actually experiencing the burn firsthand? Answer that for yourself. No one can give you the sensation of the burn, if you haven't already experienced it for yourself, and that is why knowledge is limited to experience. "Just because something works, doesn't mean it can't be improved" - I forget but pretty confident words of a Black Panther This last quote is my way of asking, do you want to do what you are good at for the rest of your life? Or do you want to do something that challenges you at every moment? Asking questions leads to a greater capacity for details to be absorbed and answers to be discovered, but giving answers does not improve our capacity for asking questions. Congratulations on having your own place to stay, it's not your fault the price to pay is so high for most. Good on you for being so independent, that's a great asset for relationships. I hope it becomes more than merely a house, even if that's all it is at the moment, and becomes a home full of memories for you. The main purpose for my posting today though is not to berate you with suggestions as to how to live your life better. It might seem that way. Because honestly I think you have a lot going for you already, but one thing you are not, is conceited, and that's great, if you were you'd the type that thinks they have all the answers. And you certainly aren't someone like that, you engage others, their opinions and input, and you are forthright with your own, even if it's not what people want to hear. That takes guts and a sense of self. A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. The world is pretty bleak as it is, don't assume you have to be too. Personally I just wish you'd give yourself some credit where it's due and allow yourself to feel like you're worthy, because you are. This is a journey and no one deserves to experience yours more than you. You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. You don't have to reason that, especially not with logic that is the epitome of divorce from belonging, and tainted with self hate.

I think you've done a good job at explaining yourself throughout, I perhaps didn't absorb the message as well as I could before replying. I didn't want to ignore your post but was also preoccupied organising people for a basketball tournament and explaining the ins and outs to them when I made that post. All that aside, I'm still not sure my post did miss the mark. I would of given up Benteke any day for a team that brought us greater success on a whole. And this is where my confusion lies and I wonder if we are talking at each other rather than with, I am not disputing a striker who ultimately wins games is what we want. All I'm saying is that as long as the team is creating and executing well enough, and the striker employed contributes adequately to that, I could care less how much glory he takes. If you want a striker who's goals come at a time that give this team glory in any given match, that's fine. If you want one that scores consistently every game, so does everyone else. I think Van Nistelrooy, or someone of notable achievement, said, "Goals are like a bottle of ketchup, nothing comes no matter how hard you try, and then it all comes at once" Something to that effect. Anyway, I'm not a huge Wes fan, I just don't buy into the idea that he is a weak link just yet. Nor that he is occupying the position we need most improvement in.

Well, personally TRO we are having two separate discussions as far as I can see. Just to get the nitpicking out of the way, numbers are a part of 'reality' and can represent as well as help identify aspects of whatever is being evaluated. Just because he is not literally scoring one goal for every two games played, doesn't make his contribution redundant. I could be missing the mark, but I feel like what you've mainly highlighted is that I haven't written my statement well enough in a literal sense. That's not Wes' problem.

Given the flirting and how cosy we were with physical contact in the past, and the enthusiasm in her recent messages, I was looking forward to meeting her. So, as I did with the folk on VT, I shared the news with some friends, I was excited, can you blame me? Some were aware that we were close a while back, others hadn't heard of her. One of my mates goes straight onto her instagram and has a little stalk (probably something I should've done) and found something which makes me curious but also reluctant. Turns out she's taken, or so it seems. I knew she was in a long-term relationship with a bloke which has definitely ended, and not so long ago, so I thought her currently unattached. But current relationship status is definitely up in the air judging by some of her instagram posts. Easily fixed, I can just ask her. I guess I'm slightly surprised given that I was happy just to exchange pleasantries and well wishes and go separate ways again, but she genuinely wants to meet. Totally open to the idea she has fond memories and sees me as an old friend she would like to catch up with, but I've misread the dialogue if that's the case. Kinda wishing I didn't post that now, but since I have I'll update if i feel anything worth sharing transpires.

Australian Institute of Sport. I only know it threw basketball. You get in there early and if you've got the talent and commitment it's likely your best shot at the big time down under.

Thanks for reminding me. 2006 Australian WC squad. Viduka. Now that's a player's player.

Three highly skilful goals from Gil for us. No doubt about it. Unfortunately for him he never broke through in the top tier. He wasn't preferred as we employed four or five defensive holding midfielders at the time, to our detriment I believe. Glad for him to get his career back on track with notable performances and achievements in the MLS. Wouldn't surprise me to see him get another crack in the European big leagues, should he be up for the challenge.

On the former, as I said, you have your starters, your backup or bench and your reserves. This doesn't necessarily mean each are fixed each week. On the latter, I don't know if I share your conviction and confidence on whether Wes should be rotated out. He's doing a job, just as KD did when called upon under Bruce. He wasn't brilliant, but he contributed well enough.

Should be a good match. Thoroughly looking forward to it. "Lion's may be more powerful, but wolves don't perform in the circus" Respect and pride are independent of power and status. It's a good thing tomorrow night is all about putting on a show for the crowd. Lion's win 2-1.

FIFA16. The only video game I play, every few weeks. Just signed Mings and Tammy in my Villa career mode as manager.

2 goals and 2 assists in the last 3 matches for Brentford.

Big Wes has either a goal or assist every other game, correct? As long as that continues, why bring in anyone who isn't going to achieve a greater haul? I think Davis has proven himself worthy to be honest, I'm not sure I'd go as far to say that there's blind belief in him. Unfortunately for KD there's another player who was brought in with the view for higher caliber performances and preference for starting matches. As long as Wes continues to deliver KD is going to be sitting on the pine for the most part. It's just the way it goes in sport. Starter, backup and reserves. Will be a while before KD gets the starters role here at Villa in my view, but that's not because he doesn't have the talent or because he hasn't proven himself. We simply went out and recruited a player we thought better and more equipped for the challenges. And those players have delivered every time to date.

Bought a Pistol Pete Utah #7 jersey this morning.

Nancy Brown of the San Diego Splash Sisters

That's a bald statement. *Awaits ban*

Respect for choosing the guy with the receding hairline over the guy with an afro and style to compete with Dr J.

I think I have a new favourite player.

I have a mandatory daily running routine for basketball at the moment. Varies in distance between 4x500m-8km.

Wes scores every other game, and I wonder if we had improved wide-men capable of contributing greater delivery and movement, if that kind of record could continue over the season.

Marvelous does give meaning to his namesake and I'd have no issues with his inclusion, but I like Luiz on the ball.

Bowen and Benrahma in please! Heaton Guilbert - Engels - Mings - Targett McGinn - Luiz Bowen - Grealish - Benrahma Wes