david_carnell

Well, both of those issues require more time and effort to research and examine than I have or wish to have. Identity and culture are highly controversial. And of course you are correct in highlighting differences within the communities. I would imagine the immediate distinction between Romany gypsies and Irish travellers would show many differences.

I guess it all depends on your views on cultural relativism. Do we look at the traveller community and say, "...well, that's their culture and they should be free to practice it..." and thus tolerate misogyny, casual racism and a desire not to integrate into British society at large OR do we criticise such things and open ourselves to charges of prejudice and intolerance of others? Personally, I am of the former opinion in all cases - and this would extend to other nations beliefs and practices too - and believe that a community who reside in Britain should be encouraged to adopt it's liberal attitudes toward women, ethnic minorities and cultural integration. Obviously, travellers themselves have historically been persecuted which has not helped the situation today, but two wrongs do not a right make.

Jah Lush Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > He didn't do much at Barca did he. He's finished. 35 goals in 80 games in La Liga and 49 goals in 121 games in total. Plus he won: La Liga x 2 Copa del Rey Supacopa de Espana Champions League UEFA Super Cup World Club Cup

Ray Parlour looks like a genius compared to Jason McAteer. Not to mention the famous pizza story!

Well, William Hague does but after that....

I was referring to this: Your sage pearls on the grubbiness of the music/tv industry are always welcome. In fact, you might just have rescued this thread.

If you say so Bob.

Emerson Crane Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > david_carnell Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > If anyone wonders why ???? has left the forum > you > > only need to read this thread. > > > > Jay-sus. > > > Well yes, but everyone is entitled to their > opinion, no matter how weird and wonderful. And > lets be honest this Forum is no differnt from many > others nor do the views posted on here differ > wildly from those espoused by many of the > populace. Just saying like. Ah, the old "freedom of speech" argument. Because until you mentioned it EC, I'd been advocating cellotaping mouths closed and typing fingers were to be amputated. But you know what, with that freedom comes a responsibility. Not to act like a nark at every opportunity or not to turn a fairly innocent thread/request into a running ideological battle and insult-fest for example. But there are lots of others. If that's what you enjoy reading then I'll leave you and all the other masochists to it, but for me, it's a perfect example of the current malaise infecting the local populous.

If anyone wonders why ???? has left the forum you only need to read this thread. Jay-sus.

Was at the Emirates yesterday with Sean McG and BellendenBelle. Firstly, it's easily the best stadium I've ever been to. The views, even from our slightly odd corner position were phenomenal and for mid-Jan the pitch was in superb condition. Arsenal fans were friendly enough but the stereotype of being a bit on the quiet side is indeed true - the atmosphere is a little "subdued" when they aren't playing well. Leeds played as equals except for the last ten minutes of each half when we were under the cosh. I've seen Leeds play better recently but for the most part, Arsenal were abject. None of their players seem to want it. A draw was probably a fair result all-in-all and I went away happy if a little deflated that we so nearly had another Premier League scalp for the second season running. Walcott let himself down although I missed the dive itself. Arshavin had a shocker and was on the receiving end of a hell of a lot of abuse from his own fans. The Leeds travelling fans made a LOT of noise as usual. We'll look forward to the replay at Elland Road.

And Broad is still to come back who is developing nicely into and all-rounder in the Flintoff mould.

Brave man, Loz. Brave man. I think I hear the squeak of magnamity in there somewhere! But where is everyone today on this thread? Too hung over from celebrating a magnificent victory I suspect. All the plaudits have already been said and put better than I can but just to add that it was a triumphal performance if not a classic series. The Australians will be back so no resting on our laurels. Congrats especially to Strauss for excellent captaining, Cook for being man of the series so soon after nearly being dropped and to Colly for a stoic test record even if he wasn't batting at his peak in this Ashes. Bravo England. Bravo!

Atticus Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > How long does a club remain 'big' on the grounds > of past glories? > After a great 80s it was hard me as an Evertonian > to swallow the fall to mediocrity through the 90s > (witness accusations of bitter blues etc). > I think Liverpool really are in danger of falling > away... Couldn't agree more. Excellent post.

Spurs have only got good again pretty recently after decades of little success bar the odd FA Cup. Everton are now relegation material and haven't been "big" since the 80s. Peaks and troughs. I think that's normal. And maybe now it's just Liverpool's turn as it were. And Man Utd were relegated in 1974 and nearly again in the mid-80s so also went through the same grist after big success in the 60s so whilst I agree they have been a "big club" since the late 50s. I guess what I'm driving at is that no club is "big" enough to demand success. Sometimes you just won't have it for a while.

I'm not having Rowan Atkinson in there. Comic genius - and that's before Mr Bean. Judi Dench on the other hand.....has the same number of facial expressions as Hitler had testicles. Massively overrated actor (that's for you Rosie).

I want to know what makes a "big club"? All I keep hearing about is how Liverpool (in this instance - other clubs have their moments) deserve success and therefore need a new manager because they are a "big club". In the past, ditto for Newcastle, Leeds, Chelsea, Spurs etc But what mystery ingredient makes a club "big"? Stadium size? Fan base? Only team in a geographic area? I know this while rile the 'pool fans on here but maybe this is the time that you accept being average for a while. It happens to all teams at some point - see Man Utd 1980s, Chelsea 1985-2000, Leeds 2002 to present etc etc

And this blog too. Nice.

Sue - you could always ask Admin to lock the thread as you are the OP and it is at your behest. Please.

My real name is Davina but I was worried about not being taken seriously.

RosieH Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I'm put in mind of Cheryl Cole putting one black and one > mixed race girl through to the X Factor finals and > being decried as racist. > > I just don't think the facts stack up. I would imagine accusations of racism against Ms Cole are more to do with her racially abusing a bathroom attendant at a bar/nightclub early in her career. But these facts are easily glossed over with the help of a pretty face and hair extension ads. Poor Ron Atkinson just can't get a break though.

And me. The repetitive and pathetic jibes and digs on here remind me why I rarely contribute.

But EC, that's the worrying thing about Man Utd this season. They've been playing pretty badly and are still unbeaten but over Xmas have started to look like a title winning team and are getting into gear. Now that Rooney has broken his duck and has an in form Berbatov for company they are looking like the bookies favourites for a reason. Arsenal were excellent last night though, and how they didn't score is a mystery. I'm rather worried about my trip to the Library on Sat for the FA Cup.

SeanMacGabhann Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Apart from meat and fish, what is it people need > to buy late at night that can be sourced from the > Turkish shop or Nisha?s (to pick two examples) The Turkish place is excellent for a lot of things and I use it often. But aside from meat and fish, it's cheese selection is poor (unless you have a thing for feta - I don't) and their fresh fruit and veg often leaves a little to be desired. Not bad but not nearly on a par with, for eg., Pretty Traditional on NCR. And whilst they occassionally have a decent white loaf, the EDD, Blackbird and even Lucas have a better bread selection. The deli on a Thurs is the only one to open late I believe.

Other than the DKH Sainsbos, all the other stores in ED are "smaller-format" convenience stores (and I'd include the Co-Op in that given their poor stock) so that would be the last thing needed. I'm in the "no" group btw but would be intrigued by a tru co-op "people's supermarket" and the option of late night shopping on the lane inc. fresh foods once or twice a week.

Which is just one of the reasons he's loathed at Elland Road.