dinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTH2bhOy1k0 RIP Phife

That's a fair point. But if neither Mane or Big Vic are playing, they can't play badly

This time last year we were getting into some really ropey form. This year we seem to have had the ropey form and put it behind us. Another smashing result. Well done lads.

Love that. I'm a bit surprised to see WBA so high up the list.

That's a fair point, I didn't think of him. Although a loss and draw in his last two might count against.

There'd be a case for Ranieri having overcome a dip in form (for his stars and his side), and got them back on track with a much more defensively stable approach. But I can't think of any other managers who've done enough to win this month.

I reckon applauding the supporters of his old club, while his team were being booed off the pitch, might have been a politically poor decision...

This turned out to be quite an astute prediction. Not the stupid characters, but the inexplicable, plot-friendly decisions. Not that it spoiled the film for me, there were just a few times where it felt a bit rushed and nobody had really explained why we were in this situation, or why this was happening now. Won't post any examples as I know many won't have seen it yet. Suffice to say that, a few minor gripes aside, it was everything I wanted from a Star Wars film and I'm going to go back for another screening. A solid 8/10, rising to 9.5 for that unbeatable thrill of just being with those characters again.

It's half-way through December, so probably safe to ask this now. Some of my faves have been: Arca - Mutant Sufjan Stevens - Carrie and Lowell (although hard to listen to often as it's bleak as fkck) Colin Stetson and Sarah Neufeld - Never Were The Way She Was

DJ Paypal - Sold Out Bright shiny baubles of funk-tinged electronica

Just in the interests of balance and completeness, here's what the people who carried out that survey had to say... http://survation.com/statement-on-survations-poll-of-muslims-for-the-sun/

It also doesn't differentiate between the different parties fighting in Syria. They might be expressing sympathy for those going to fight against ISIS. I see today that this Sun story has received a record number of complaints. And quite rightly. Trying to provoke division and ill-feeling is not only hugely irresponsible, it's also exactly what ISIS are trying to achieve.

Hmm, while it's flattering to be perceived in such a good light, that all rings a little bit hollow. Leicester have started the season in good form, but if they don't stop conceding early goals it'll find them out eventually, and it wasn't six months ago that they were nailed on for relegation. So a bit early to include them in any notional 'middle-class' group. As for the criteria offered, if it's mangerial stability, astute transfers and identifiable style... why are Bournemouth not doing better? Why no mention of Saints sacking Adkins? Smacks of the writer just picking the teams currently upper-mid table and cobbling together a 'theory'.

Thanks chaps. Will probably try The Stand next.

Cheers mate. There's two versions of The Stand, is that right? Is it worth going for the longer version?

I tend to read only 'quality' literature, being a bit of a snob on that score. Was talking to a friend the other day about Stephen King and I expressed the opinion that he is 'a bit hack'. But when pressed I had to admit... I'd never actually read any. So, I've taken the plunge. Just finished Carrie, and it was actually hugely entertaining. He lays on the suspense a bit heavy-handedly, but I'll cut some slack as I know that was his first novel (first published, at least). Really interesting stylistically (loved the way it cut between narrative and news-sources) and a much more mature handling of mental pressure than I'd expected. Anyhow, now I'm having a go at 'Salem's Lot. But I'd welcome advice from any King fans on which are the ones to try and the ones to avoid.

Music Complete, by New Order. A couple of spins in now and it's... alright. They're certainly better with Gillian and without Hooky than they were the other way around. Beats, tunes, less of the stodgy rock. Obviously nowhere near their 80s prime, but far and away better than the last couple. I wonder if I'd listen to it if it wasn't by New Order? Probably not, but it's OK.

The new Low album, Ones and Sixes. And it's good! It's really, really good! Which is a massive relief as their last couple have been bobbins, and I wondered if it was all over for Low.

Saucy! Not necessarily the performance I'd hoped for, will take a while to settle in. But you can't argue with the result. I think we're not quite up to full fitness yet... But enough of that... 3-0!

He keeps going fishing for that same ball, doesn't he? I personally think he's got the talent, but I don't know how much patience the selectors will (or should) show. I'd give him the next test as I don't really know who you bring in fresh to open for England at the business end of an Ashes series, but he's a weak link atm, no question.

Unbe-ruddy-lievable.

Great start this morning. I didn't think we'd see Finn at this level again. Just a shame the rain came when it did, while they were rocking.

It's an absolute embarrassment. I bloody love it.

The Bug - Angels & Devils Shabazz Palaces - Lese Majesty Laura Cannell - Quick Sparrows Over the Black Earth OOIOO - Gamel Vashti Bunyan - Heartleap Mr Oizo - The Church Kemper Norton - Loor Slackk - Palm Tree Fire FKA Twigs - LP1 Owen Pallett - In Conflict

That's right. She deserved to die. It's black and white. You're a qxnt.