dockers_strike

MIGHT BE SPOILERS IF YOU HAVENT SEEN THE EPISODES YET - War of the Worlds, Canal+ on Fox. Not Martians but aliens from Ross 128b, an actual recently discovered exoplanet a little bigger than Earth although maybe 4 Earth masses, just in its star's habitable zone. At a little over 11 light years away even at Warp 1, it would take them aliens 11 Earth years to get here. A 'year' on Ross 128b is just over 10 days so them fuckers will be ancient by the time they get here. Unfortunately the first two episodes set the tone with a lack of science applied to it. All we know is a 'signal' is detected and within hours or a couple of days, it isnt really clear, thousands of objects are detected travelling very fast not far from Earth. Now, I thought in the programme they said the objects were travelling at over a 1000km per second then slowed down as they entered the atmosphere but might have been mistaken. But even travelling at that speed, it would take tens of years to get here and the reference to an Aricebo transmission wouldnt fit the story. So there's a couple of holes off the bat for me, why would an invading fleet give advance warning of its arrival and, they're travelling at sub light speed which means they've been in transit for years so why werent they detected before the signal. There's a couple of other bits as well. Basically, people havent had time to don the tinfoil hats and, if you're not under ground or in a metal box when the aliens turn up the electro magnetic interference, your brain gets fried. All except for one guy whose taxi ended upside down in a French river and struggling underwater to get out while people on the streets ended up as kebabs. The daftest bit was a main cast family's efforts to get out of London. Stuck in traffic, they rush into an underground station until the first attack is over. When they come out, the car's engine is fried so decide to walk home. After a time walking, one of the kids says to the ma, 'you're lost and dont know where we are'! The fuck, you were stuck in traffic, hardly moved from your house, went in an underground station and when you come out, you dont know which direction home is, which can only be half a mile away because of the traffic you were stuck in before! Oh and the ma left her blind daughter with an illegal immigrant who'd been knifed by the owner of a shop he was looting. Meanwhile the ma and her son went outside to have an argument! When the ma went back for her daughter, she found the injured guy holding a gun on her and asking for help. I didnt see that plot line coming! The military element are the French and their soldiers seem to go around tooled up with guns, body armour but no helmets. So when they come across some mechanoid aliens, guess where the aliens aim for? Hmmm, for a bit of escapism, this might be an ok watch. But if you're a sci fi fan, I think you'll find it lacking in sci and not much fi so a bit of a disappointment. 5 out of 10.

You'd think Orlando would want to do a lot more practising before actually getting her up the duff.

Nope, for two reasons. First, it's a headline. Second an organisation, in this case the 'club' is singular.

So far the only country I know of playing games in empty stadium is Serie A. It will be a massive blow if they do the same here and surely, going to a game on your own risk must be allowed. I appreciate this viral outbreak has consequences but they've flown infected and potentially infected people all around the world since it developed in China. More people mingle getting to and from work or going about their daily lives so I dont see what good stopping people going to a football match will do in the scheme of things.

Back in training for Atletico according to the Echo. Not sure if that means he's not in consideration for Bournemouth.

No, I reacted to the perceived criticism that Jurgen has to place as much importance on a cup comp, virtually every other club treats as a second team competition, when he's try to end 30 years without being champions. I confess I cannot get my head around to the thinking the cup is on a par with the title and CL especially when you havent won the former for 30 years. But that's just me. For what it's worth, I think Jurgen will give the FA Cup as a more serious consideration when he's secured number 19. But even then, Id prefer he concentrated on retaining the title, making it number 20 first and foremost.

Course you can have your opinion. Im just telling you mine but hey, we've all got to say the same stuff, havent we? You want to think the cup should be as big a priority as the league for Klopp, knock yourself out. But rightly, he sees a 30 year monkey as a bigger priority than a cup competition that every other team including city, make major changes in their team when competing in it. Oh, and it isnt me who needs to dry their eyes.

Correct. Unbelievable some of our own fans are on a downer. In the last 12 months, we've won the CL, become World Champions (tell me that means nothing then listen to the fans inside Anfield belt out 'We're champions of the world!'), won the Super Cup and are 4 games from mathematically being awarded number 19. And it's only just March! Absolutely incredible.

I guess at it's basic, SeatGeek is just another Ticketmaster or whatever. OK they may ticket 9 other PL clubs but I cant see city and Leicester etc having the demand for tickets like us. Personally, I dont see any system stopping touting. Even in the old days of numbered ticket stubs you had scallies asking for them as you came out the ground. Even as an STH, it's virtually impossible for me to buy an extra ticket if I want to go with my lad and aways might as well not exist unless you have mega credits.

Plenty of kitchen roll in the local Asda if you run out of bog roll. But dont tell everyone.

Same. I dont mind giving players shit and if they want to give it back to me, I dont have a problem. Mind being in the SKD upper they'd have a bit of trouble giving it back to me like but, you get the drift. It gets on my tits when you're in a ground and you see fans giving a player some grief but when the player tells them to fuck off and more, the hard man fan complains to the nearest steward or bizzie.

Seen elsewhere the club says seassie ticket holders will be asked to renew in April, it gets earlier every year. Liverpool FC is overhauling its ticket-buying process ahead of next season by investing in innovative, industry-leading technology to improve ticket distribution and the way supporters can access Anfield. As part of the club’s ongoing commitment to constantly improve how fans can buy and use tickets, LFC has partnered with leading mobile-focused ticketing platform SeatGeek to improve the performance of its ticketing website and make for a smoother fan experience during peak sale times. During the club’s future Members’ sales, the new platform will offer supporters a more efficient and simplified buying experience when applying for the matches they would like to attend. It also boasts a more dynamic queuing system to manage traffic volumes during busy periods and will give fans more clarity on where they are in the buying process through live updates and improved communication. Focused on improving the mobile fan experience, the platform not only allows supporters to purchase through their mobile devices but will also support mobile access at the turnstiles for match e-tickets for fans wishing to move away from physical paper tickets. Phil Dutton, vice president, ticketing and hospitality at LFC, said: “After listening to fan feedback and following extensive discussions with supporters at our fan forums, we have been making various changes behind the scenes to the way we run our Members’ ticket sales and the technology we use when welcoming supporters to Anfield. “We understand how important it is for fans to get the opportunity to purchase tickets for matchdays and we’re committed to constantly improving our ticket-buying service and overcoming any issues still remaining. “When considering the ticketing platform, our goal was to work with a partner that could provide world-class, innovative technology. The SeatGeek platform will help make the ticket-buying journey clearer and more efficient with better functionality. Our supporters will have an improved experience, from purchasing the ticket initially right the way through to accessing the stadium, all with the goal of improving ticket availability.” Peter Joyce, managing director of EMEA Sport at SeatGeek, said: “Few sports clubs in the world have the level of demand for their tickets as Liverpool FC and a key focus has been to deliver as efficient a sales process as possible and embrace the latest technology to streamline the process. “It is a huge privilege for us to welcome Liverpool FC as a SeatGeek client and we are really excited to work with the club and continue to innovate and drive efficiencies for supporters wherever possible.” SeatGeek is the industry-leading ticketing provider for the Premier League, with nine out of the 20 clubs now leveraging the SeatGeek platform. The New York-headquartered company, which also has offices in the UK, has also seen strong momentum around the world, securing ticketing partnerships with global brands like the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, MLS teams Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders, and the Dutch FA and PSV Eindhoven. The new platform will launch for season ticket renewals ahead of a full rollout for the 2020-21 season. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/389088-lfc-teams-up-with-seatgeek-to-transform-ticket-buying-process

First confirmed human to animal transmission. Experts have confirmed the first known case of human-to-animal transmission of the coronavirus after a Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong was found to have been infected with low levels of the disease. Last week the dog, whose 60-year-old human companion is in hospital with the illness, was placed under quarantine after nasal and oral samples tested “weak positive” for Covid-19. This finding sparked much scepticism from scientists around the world who said it was unlikely the disease could jump species so quickly. Hong Kong authorities said all pets whose owners test positive for the coronavirus should be put under quarantine. The dog was first tested on February 26 and now three further tests have confirmed that the Pomeranian has low levels of infection. Experts from the University of Hong Kong and the World Organisation for Animal Health have “unanimously agreed” that this is a case of human-to-animal transmission, a spokesman for Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has said. The dog has not shown any signs of disease and the Hong Kong authorities have not said why the dog was tested in the first place. A second dog is also under quarantine at the department’s animal holding centre but has tested negative for the disease. The department will continue to closely monitor the Pomeranian who will only be returned to its owner when the test result is negative, authorities have said. The Hong Kong government said that there is no evidence that pets can transmit Covid-19 to their owners or that they can become sick. The spokesman added: “Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.” https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/experts-confirm-human-animal-spread-coronavirus/

How did we do after the international breaks this season? I dont recollect them affecting our results.

Yeah, he should have prioritised the cup ahead of the League and CL. FFS!

Yep this. Like Ive said before (again), it doesnt matter what league you're in, not getting relegated from that league or, trying to get promoted to the next higher one is more important to clubs. That's why it has lost its magic, not because us and others field weaker teams.

And therein lies why it isnt a workable suggestion. Neither are teams going to take the FA Cup seriously for even £10m or £20m prize when staying in the PL alone, never mind getting promotion to it, is worth nearly £100m. I very much doubt UEFA would accept the nomination of a cup winner, who'd played 6 or so games, being given entry to their premier competition. But why only the FA Cup winners and not the EFL Cup?

I agree. We need to kick on and Naby just cannot be relied upon to be fit never mind delivery on the pitch. So for that reason, Im out.

PL now confirms city v arsenal will now be played 11 March. I expect them to win as well.

We just need to get back to basics. That means the defence defending with Fabinho just sitting in front protecting them. Robbo and Trent need to rein in the foraging runs down the wings. Yeah, it's not going to be pleasant to watch but stop shipping goals and you dont lose. It struck me in the 2nd half against chelsea virtually everyone ripped up the game plan and formation. Fabinho was upfield and didnt have the pace to get back. Ive said a few times the front 3 are a worry to me. Sadio looks like he's still fucked off at being subbed against West Ham. He's back to his almost couldnt give a fuck style of play. Him and Mo need to fuck off the idea of the golden boot because neither of them are winning it this year, especially when they arent fucking scoring. I love Bobby but his form is a big worry. It's just not coming off for him. Again, he needs to go back to basics and do the simple thing. Make sure the ball gets to a teammate and cut out the little flicks and backheels. Same goes for Mo. We always seem to want to walk the ball into the net. Im not sure if that's because the players want to be certain of scoring or they want to score 'perfect' goals. Just put your laces through a couple of them. You never know, the keeper may spoon one like Adrian last night. Keita is a big issue for me. Jurgen used to go on about Dan not playing and pain so what the fuck's naby's excuse? At times like this when we need him, he's crying off with a sore hip. Get him a sofer fucking mattress to sleep or something. How the fuck does a professional player get a sore him when he's not playing? As for the game, we need to up the tempo but if the players are running on empty, that's going to be difficult and this is where the crowd comes in. Nothing less than a European night atmos is required.

The club has always prioritised competitions. Back in the 60's it was the league and the FA Cup. When the league cup came along, the club didnt even enter it for the first season or two. Bill never took the league cup seriously. The priority was league FAC \ Europe with the LC trailing. Once the CL replaced the European Cup, everyone wanted to be in it and the club's priority changed to league, CL, FAC \ UEFA Cup, LC. Above all that, the underlying priority for the club these last 30 years is to win the title. We've been close probably 4 times in that period. The FAC was great but in my humble opinion, it's just a tradition now. There's no wall to wall cup final coverage like there once was. Do I want to win it? Well, Ive said often enough, until we get the bigger monkey of not winning the title off our back then, it takes its chance the same as the League Cup does. Spread yourself too thin and you'll likely end up with fuck all.

Jurgen's always going to praise his players and look for the positives. I thought a lot of chelsea attacks came down his side of the pitch either when he was caught out of position or lofted over him. He got in some great positions last night but then started taking potshots like he did against Shrewsbury. I think he needs to keep a bit calmer head and look to get the ball in the danger area rather than letting fly.

I think Keita has a better chance of playing against Bournemouth according to Jurgen's presser on Monday. I thought he also said Hendo was running but the offal doesnt say anything.

Giving the others false hope of catching up a little.

I dont know. Willian always seems to spawn a goal against us. Who can forget his cross that deceived Mig to earn them a draw at Anfield? I half expect Giroud to score as well because he nearly always does too. The oppos are getting the luck at both ends of the pitch but more so in front of their own goal. They're packing their box yet every deflection falls for them and is blocked by a desparate lunge, goes wide of the post or straight at the keeper. Meanwhile at the other end, rebounds or lose balls are falling nicely for the oppos attackers. It's how it rolls when your out of form. If we were at the other end of the table, people would call it as a relegation teams lack of luck. But the stat you quote is what most are missing. We won numerous games we would have lost at any other time. Now, the dice is rolling against us. Loss of form comes from many things, mental and physical tiredness, carelessness, lack of concentration. Im just surprised no one has said we're bottling it. Oh, neville already did that, didnt he?