Mr Owl PhD

Looking forward to this. DTB is quite something live.

Flint no longer able to breathe: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47442312

Finney-to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47175304

Deadly Doug: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45823730

The end of the Rainbow: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45706667

Chas and Dead: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45613563

Do you mind if I croak? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/45409341

Chokey and the Bandit: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/sep/06/burt-reynolds-dead-deliverance-boogie-nights-actor-movies-career

Some actually good journalism about bad punditry: https://www.balls.ie/amp/football/andy-gray-2-396180

The evil Servalan has also met her comeuppance: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/03/jacqueline-pearce-blakes-7-and-doctor-who-actor-dies-aged-74

So, this is happening.

Kevin-Prince Boateng has done a rap video:

Post dumb or banal analysis by ex-players here: 1. Paul Merson on new Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Oh dear: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45074955

Liking this band a lot at the moment, particularly after seeing them live at the weekend. Spanish psychedelic garage pop:

Decent guitarist as well:

Alisson should be a pretty big upgrade on Karius, although I agree that Karius was actually fairly good until getting smacked in the head by Ramos. Even though there are mitigating circumstances he'll get loads of stick for a long time and has looked really nervous in friendlies. Alisson has only really had one season for Roma but you could make a case for him being the best all round keeper in Europe last season, hence the big price. He's a bit like Ederson in that he's a proper sweeper keeper but also makes saves like De Gea. He'll probably throw one in his own net in the first game though.

I think the biggest fear for Liverpool this season is that Salah won't have such a good season and so the team won't score as many goals. That might be the case, particularly as I can see Salah getting an increasing amount of 'Ramos-like' treatment, although he could perhaps do even better given the stronger midfield supplying him. Liverpool should at least be better defensively with Alisson, Fabinho and van Dijk making up in coolness for Lovren. Keita looks an amazing player. Arsenal might do better. They have a good squad and have made some decent signings. Would imagine they'd be pleased just to get back into the top four this season though. Chelsea are hard to call. It could go either way with a new manager, although I agree that if Hazard and Courtois leave they'll be hard to replace. It's difficult to see United being significantly different this season, which might mean they finish second again but it seems unlikely they'll suddenly start challenging City for the title without significant new personnel and a more adventurous playing style. The big worry for them will be whether we get a Mourinho meltdown season. It's getting to that stage. City should obviously win the league again, although I'd be surprised if they do as well as last season. I'm wondering if teams will attack them more this season. Most teams were really passive against them last year, which seemed to play into their hands. Liverpool, United and even Wigan showed that their defence isn't that amazing if put under pressure. Their other worry will be an injury to De Bruyne. I'm not sure what's happening with Spurs. They have as strong and coherent a first XI as anyone but lack a bit of squad depth to really challenge over a season. Not sure if they're going to make any major signings though (again). I'm wondering if some of the big clubs are almost opting out of transfers this summer because of the short window and the crazy prizes (£50M for Richarlison!). Maybe they just think they have good enough squads at the moment and will wait for there to be more value in the market. Liverpool have probably had an advantage after getting big money for Coutinho, so they've been able to invest more in the squad.

New Chelsea Jade song. Pop music.

Like that Colour me Wednesday tune. Continuing the indie pop theme, there's a new single by the Beths out today. It should be popular with anyone who likes TUNES. They have an album out in August and are playing shows in Glasgow and Edinburgh in a few weeks (and loads of other places too). I first saw Liz the singer ten years ago in her previous band and thought she was the best. Nice to see her doing well these days.

I see the Braveheart warrior guy (not Peter Dow) quite regularly. He still looks exactly the same. He seems to have a regular commute up Spital and College Bounds between 5 and 6pm, which is a bit surprising. I imagine him working for the Council or maybe at Sainsbury's Metro and looking like a regular guy before transforming into the super-hero warrior after work.

The crafty coffin: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/darts/694090/Eric-Bristow-dead-Darts-legend-passes-away-age-60-PDC

'Butch'-ered: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/04/ray-wilkins-former-england-midfielder-dies-aged-61

Winnie Man-deader: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-43621112