Lateralus

Ugh. I forgot to substitute Higuain on last night.

The term 'great man' is widely applicable, to anyone from soldiers to poets to stay-at-home dads. As with anything else, societal expectations should be closely examined, and in many cases, discarded. People who are too pre-occupied with any archetype are generally that way because they are shallow people with little else to say.

That's me. Results have not gone favourably so far.

I think people tend to forget how defensive the group stages are. Spain are as good a defensive team as any, and I don't see another shock defeat happening and preventing them from making it to the knockout stages. Things will open up when teams play to win. I don't understand the calls for Fabregas either. Iniesta/Xavi/Xabi Alonso/Silva is Spain's best midfield lineup.

Almost makes me wish I had picked some Brazillian forwards. I have Cesar and Lucio in my team, but I'll be surprised if they have much to do.

I like the vuvuzelas.

Edit: I think the quote in my sig might even be from him. Yup, that's him. Surprised me as well. Not that he was accepted, rather the fact that he applied. Surprised me too. I don't know, it was either gonna be me or someone less relaxed. Still working on that. 3 days in Prague on the horizon.

Don't see Werder Bremen holding on to Özil if he continues to perform. From the looks of things I'd take him at Liverpool.

Gourcuff is looking very lively so far. Looks like he was a good pick for my team.

I've always kind of wanted a submissive Asian girlfriend. Don't know if I could tolerate it if she was into this kind of stuff though.

Depends how far back you want to go, I suppose. Some of the best fiction of that kind came from Russian writers during times of social and political change (emancipation of the serfs, Russian nihilist movement). If that kind of thing interests you then I would suggest both Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev and Devils by Dostoevsky. The issues tackled go far deeper than politics of course. They're two of the best novels I've ever read.

I mostly agree with you, although I do think that Lahm is about as good as fullbacks come. I don't think the Germans will do terribly well, since as you say Klose is having a terrible time at the moment. If I was to pick the two danger men from the German squad it would be Trochowski and Schweinsteiger. Also, the vast majority of the German squad play in the Bundesliga, and I don't rate that league very highly compared to most other European top flights.

New Order - Blue Monday Yes.

'Deaf culture' seems like an odd notion to me. I'm sure it exists, but surely it's as a way of coping with a piece of rotten luck. In any case, it's a personal choice and a non-essential procedure should never be forced on anyone.

I can't afford any of these crazy gadgets.

The monarchy reinforces both the class system and an idea of innate superiority. No amount of tourist money can make that alright. Frankly I think it's a bit of a joke that we've tried to have it both ways for so long.

This isn't a direct answer to the question, but I should very much hope that history will look fondly upon The Strokes and The Libertines.

The fact that this "doesn't look good" for UK gun laws never even crossed my mind. Keep them away from people.

The Spanish or the Dutch should take it. Nothing much needs to be said about the Spanish squad, but I think the Dutch are underestimated. Van Persie has looked excellent in the friendlies, and if they sit van der Vaart, Sneijder and Robben behind him I can see them scoring a lot of goals. England have been an absolute joke and I think they're going to crash out. If they continue to play like they did against Mexico and Japan then they don't have a chance.

Journey to the End of the Night by Céline and Hunger by Knut Hamsun would both fit perfectly. Two of the finest novels ever written in any case.

Done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7t-XBeRVAk I've listened to this dozens of times in the past few days. Don't know how it got into my head, but I love it.

You misunderstood me. I was joking that since women can get implants on the NHS that that is where I'd send all my money if I could choose. Ease up on your trigger finger, or at least be less of an [wagon].

No kidding.

Women can get breast implants on the NHS now. Where do you think I'll send my taxes?