A'Villan

When people try and justify why I am obligated to do something with rationale that suggests I owe it to them, when the reality is they are asking me a favour. Just ask me politely and with the mutual understanding that it is a request that you want for yourself and not a duty I have to be responsible for. Makes all the difference. More often than not I'll be happy to help you achieve whatever I can, being of service can be rewarding when the beneficiary of my efforts allows me freedom and respect.

I loved Wu-Tang. GZA in particular. RZA was the guy who made it all happen for them really, wasn't he? I think there a few cousins among the group. I forget. Self destructive in what sense? Ol' Dirty Bastard was the only one who was clearly in need of help as far as I could see. RZA and GZA are highly intelligent, same as inspectah deck. The rest seemed to have faced the challenges so many African-American's do and were part of a culture of surviving tough times through desperation and lack of remorse. Having not really paid them any mind or attention for some years I wouldn't be surprised if I misrepresent them to some degree, but curious for you to expand on their story.

Mings has been called up because Southgate sees potential, potential takes time and nurturing to be realised, so I think it doubtful that Mings would play so soon. He'd be there getting familiar with everything, working towards what Southgate has envisioned for him, which again I think doubtful that it would involve immediate inclusion.

Good post. I know it's not really related to what you've said, but I believe that Smith's position will only last as long as we are on a trajectory toward contention for Europe. For me, Wes Edens will have similar ambition with us, as he did with the Bucks. They were at an all-time low as a club, and he took them to title contenders. The outcomes expected were set and once Edens believed the Bucks were no longer en route to the destination of NBA champions, he made the necessary changes. It varies with every club as to how a campaign goes after being freshly promoted. For us, I think there's quite a few hurdles that Smith and team will have to navigate. Swansea came up for the first time in history, played the way they'd been playing in the lower tiers, and were one of the highest possession teams for an extended top flight stay. Fulham came up and played football that could easily have earned victories, having more shots and possession frequently, yet they lost, and Jokanovic was sacked. Establishing a team successfully in a fresh campaign is tough even with continuity and familiarity among the team and of the league to be competed in. We have had less than a year with Smith at the helm, you have to congratulate him for implementing his strategies and tactics that got us promoted, and quickly too. I think we're in for a challenging season and while I don't want to set limitations on the club and what it can achieve, I think understanding a lot needs to go right is also wise.

Really uninspiring first half. We won't win if we repeat that because we won't create a single chance. Trezeguet only player to really threaten much for us. Jota some okay dribbles but hits the dead end every time. Thought the ref actually got most of that right. There was a foul on Grealish left flank final third by the byline that should've our way.

I might do. I've only had it cooked by my mother, who openly admits to not following recipes. I did not like it.

Ditto what Vive said. Don't give up and give 'em all you got, you got this! Midnight KO over here, I'll be back from basketball around 10pm, so plenty of time to relax and be ready for KO. Got a good feeling about the game today. I think we'll put on a good show and hopefully we make the most of that on the scoreboard.

That's **** disgraceful and shameful. And then people wonder why and assume the belief the world is unfair and unkind. It starts with you. Superficial morons.

@peterms Liver tasted like poo-poo last I checked. And now we're even. Last night a friend shouted me dinner at an Asian joint. Had a serve of boneless sweet-chilli chicken with cheese. Not bad.

I have this exact poster framed and mounted on my wall. Shadow boxing. I've spent countless hours by myself, sometimes even in the middle of the night with no lights at an outdoor court, trying to better my basketball game.

Game day

Here's the flyer for my game tonight, I play for the Stags #90:

Here's a clip of the guy I have to guard tonight. I've been doing my homework and I got this guy on lock. I know how to play him now.. Kick him in the nuts so hard he can't play. I receive a simple personal foul and we go on to win the game. Flawless right?

Made quite a few top class saves already in this campaign. If they counted as goals, might even be our top scorer by now. In fact probably would be.

Or comment due to prejudice surrounding the club he plays for.

Speaking of which..

Can you please elaborate on the Wes story? Or post a link to a page that I can read up on it all? Thanks so much in advance.

Congratulations Mings!

You're aware this is the funny pics thread, and not the depressingly true one. Don't worry haha, I've already bought my bag of cement and am ready to harden up. Next I'll get a bag of feathers and hopefully lighten up too

A must see!

That ain't too bad. Still pretty cool that you constructed your own little place in the treetops. I'm sure your Dad might have erected something more refined and spectacular, but there's certainly nobility in undertaking building your own.

Got a session today with a bodybuilder followed up by a trip to the museum and some basketball with friends after that. Saturday, I go to watch my AFL team play in the first round of finals, we won it all back in 2016, and this years looking good again, will do that with my old man. Saturday night, I have what's probably the biggest game of my basketball career to date, if anybody's looking to sign me up next season, they'll be watching. Sunday morning I'll watch Crystal Palace get a pummeling from the mighty Villa. Later on Sunday afternoon I'll play first round elimination finals for another basketball competition I'm involved in (advanced domestic league). Good times.

Second night in a row I've fallen asleep too early from laying down for a nap. Had to spend the early morning hours trying to be productive, yet tip-toeing not to wake anybody.