Mr Owl PhD

Liverpool were actually quite strong defensively in the middle part of last season, when they had the centre three of Can, Sakho and Skrtel. It's when they tried to change that formation that they started to ship goals. I suspect Can might end up playing quite a bit in central defense next season, even though it's not his best position. Wisdom and Ilori might also play, but it's hard to judge how they would do. I agree that they should buy a really high quality central defender, but it's harder to say who that would be.

Liverpool have a number of good options in midfield and attack now. I guess the trick will be finding the right blend. They probably could still do with buying an out-and-out striker too (Bacca has been mentioned and would be good) but that's probably less essential than other positions. They may well buy Clyne at right back, which is currently a weak area. I think left-back could also do with strengthening, as I was fairly underwhelmed with Moreno even though he has some potential, and there aren't many other options in that position. Centre backs may need some work too, although I rate Sakho quite highly even if he looks a bit cumbersome at times. Skrtel was actually quite good last season (much better than Lovren). Maybe Ilori will feature next season - he's reputedly good but hasn't had any opportunity yet. Really good centre backs are hard to find these days though.

Ornette Deadman: http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/11/jazz-great-ornette-coleman-dies-aged-85

Am currently a bit obsessed with this tune:

Or one of his enemies...

That little sharp turn he does that instantly puts Boateng on his arse is a thing of wonder.

It's been out a few weeks but the new Sufjan Stevens album, 'Carrie and Lowell' is pretty great. Back to doing what he does best.

He wished he could die... and now he has. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/u/ventriloquist-keith-harris-dies-aged-67.1430214207

Mourning everyone: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/32182999

I'm still interested in being involved. I should really post up reviews of the last lot! I might not always be able to contribute much over the coming few months though, but will do so when I can. This is a good thing.

Also, being the world's oldest person now seems to be cursed: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/06/gertrude-weaver-dies_n_7013404.html

Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane hands in his badge: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32208585

Sailor - Girls, girls, girls

Divinyls - I touch myself

Arthur Russell - Another Thought

Bonnie Tyler - Lost in France

You don't need to speak in the past tense...

Fleetwood Mac - Man of the World

Adam and the Ants - Kings of the Wild Frontier

Woods 'Bend Beyond' I guess the last entry I posted was a bit tricky.

Had great views of an Otter in the harbour this morning. Here's the video:

As someone who runs a taught masters programme, I would strongly recommend that you enquire directly with them to see if they might accept you. There's generally a presumption in favour of accepting people onto masters programmes (at least so long as they're able to pay the fees!).

Aberdeen Uni have a PG degree in creative writing - why not do that? http://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate/taught/creative_writing/

There's an obvious candidate to take over from Clarkson: