Quite simply the greatest ever centre forward the game has ever known. There's nothing that needs to be added about just how great William Ralph "Dixie" Dean was except to say we will never see the likes of him again. Born 100 years ago today!

So, please spend one minute (perhaps if and when you add your name to this thread) remembering the greatest player to pull on the Royal Blue of Everton Football Club. A great sportsman and a gentleman.

TD

(Or so my other half keeps telling me).

Our 20th Wedding Anniversary next Sunday that is!!

TD

It's about time something was done, not just in this country but everywhere, about the lack of rights for sex workers.

Take a look at some of these examples of victims around the world:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/6183491.stm

Just how many more people have to be stolen from, beaten, tortured, raped, MURDERED before Governments take action.

In this country in almost every other walk of life the basic human rights of an individual are strongly upheld. I just don't hear our Government making any noises, the right noises to do ANYTHING to seriously avert the possibility of more sex workers being murdered for doing their job. The moral outrage following the death of five prostitutes in Ipswich, Suffolk is NOT directed adequately towards addressing just how do we let such people be placed in such a significant danger for their lives. I despair that the reaction of the Government is so minimal, directed predominantly towards blaming the drug culture that prevailed amongst the five victims. It is JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

Let's start RIGHT NOW by petitioning the Government to change the way in which we deal with this. I would ask that you attach your comments to my blog and, with adequate support let us take this matter forward.

Thank you.

TD

http://www.stripy-beast.co.uk/index.html

Some interesting views for you to consider

TD

Just back from a great week in Wisconsin - taking in a game of football at Green Bay - the (once) mighty Packers, more of which later.

Also just got a parking ticket for parking on an unmarked spot - I won't be lying down and taking that without going all the way to the highest necessary court to beat the idiot who wrote this ticket.

TD

Bolton v Liverpool 1-1
Charlton v Arsenal 0-3
Chelsea v Aston Villa 3-1
Everton v Man City 2-0 (hopefully!)
Sheff Utd v Middlesbrough 1-0 (great TV!!)

Sunday, 01 October 2006
West Ham v Reading 2-1
Blackburn v Wigan 2-1
Man Utd v CarToon Notwork 3-0
Tottenham v Portsmouth 2-2

Watford v Fulham 1-1

TD

Safe to say I had fun at Goodison Saturday with my son.

TD

Majority prediction in brackets (50 entries)
Everton v Liverpool 0-0 (2-1)
Arsenal v Mboro 2-0 (2-0)
Bolton v Watford 2-1 (2-1)
Chelsea v Charlton 2-0 (3-0)
Newcastle v Fulham 2-1 (2-1)
Portsmouth v Wigan 2-1 (2-1)
Sheff Utd v Blackburn 1-0 (1-1)
Man Utd v Tottenham 2-0 (2-1)
West Ham v Aston Villa 2-2 (1-1)
Reading v Man City 1-0 (1-1)

A story (well the opening lines of one)

I wake up. I want to kill my mother. OK? So what? I want to kill her every morning I wake up. But today is different. It’s a special day to me. This Thursday morning is the Silver Anniversary. It’s been 25 long and lonely years since that day. That day, THAT DAY, I have never forgiven her for what she did. And every day I have vowed revenge. But it takes courage to plunge the knife, to pull the cord around her rotten neck, to drop one pill too many in her black coffee, to watch her suffer and die. Every day I have concocted one of a thousand gruesome deaths to satiate my raw desire to avenge my father’s memory, to deliver the final deserving blows (one of many).

But why has it taken 25 years of pain and still I haven’t fulfilled my ultimate goal? I will tell you why. Because it has taken me 25 fucking years to find her and she doesn’t even know I know where she is.

In the beginning it was a tough childhood. Brought up on one of the roughest estates of glorious post-war rebuilt Britain. Bruised, battered, neglected. In short screwed up. A drunken mother and an absent father. Well, absent if down the pub away from the harridan of a wife qualifies.

So what was the balance sheet of childhood like? Education - none. Love – even less. One of four unfortunate, unwanted urchins, forced to steal for our tea. The oldest of four unkempt, reviled, revolting bastards. The scourge of the estate. First there was me, Graham Anthony Payne, then 2 years later the first of three sisters, Caroline Melissa. Then the twins – oh the pain that mother must have suffered bringing TWO little bitches into the world. Mary-Jane and Grace. Grace!! Never was a child more misnamed. So lacking in civility. But who could expect any more?

Father worked – when he was sober – on the docks as a stevedore. We barely saw him, save for Sunday mornings. He would go out before we woke, and return, drunk, past midnight, angry and looking for sex. We heard the repulsive noises through the thin walls as mother would “satisfy” him, briefly, Four little bastards, one bedroom, no hope, no future.

Father, we called him Father but we didn’t even know if he was. Poor bastard. Threw himself off the top floor of the estate one Sunday morning, 25 years ago, 25 years ago today. Couldn’t take anymore of the bitch. She drove him to it. Drove him to drink, drove him to the arms of prostitutes (Uncle George told me this much later). And I never forgave her.

It’s been 25 years, Nine thousand one hundred and thirty two days, and not a single day has passed when I haven’t plotted my revenge. How appropriate today would be I thought. What a perfect memorial, a perfect moment to pay her back.

My wife turns over, moans, goes back to sleep. Work seems a long way off this cold November morning. I can almost feel the cold wind through the windows as I stare at the barren fields beyond the garden fence. Birdsong permeates the crisp morning.

This paper was turned in by an Oakland High school student who received the highest honors at the school district's ebonics translation competition.

Assignment:

Please translate the following song lyrics from ebonics to standard English.

Artist: Notorious B.I.G. Album: Ready to Die Song: One more chance (remix)

First things first, I poppa, freaks all the honeys Dummies - playboy bunnies, those wantin' money Those the ones I like 'cause they don't get nathan' But penetration, unless it smells like sanitation Garbage, I turn like doorknobs Heart throb, never, black and ugly as ever However, I stay coochied down to the socks Rings and watch filled with rocks

As a general rule, I perform deviant sexual acts with women of all kinds, including but not limited to those with limited intellect, nude magazine models, and whores. I particularly enjoy sexual encounters with the latter group as they are generally disappointed in the fact that they only receive penile intercourse and nothing more, unless of course, they douche on a consistent basis. Although I am extremely unattractive, I am able to engage in these types of sexual acts with some regularity. Perhaps my sexuality is somehow related to my fancy and expensive jewelery.

And my jam knock in the Mitsubishi Girls pee pee when they see me Nava-hoes creep me in they tee pee As I lay down laws like I lay carpet Stop it - if you think your gonna make a profit

I enjoy playing my music loudly on my car stereo. Apparently, women enjoy this also because they become sexually aroused when they see me driving. Oddly enough, when I visit the Native American reservations, some of the more sexually promiscuous Indian women attempt to seduce me in their homes. Their intent is to divest me of my earnings. Such actions are unacceptable.
Don't see my ones, don't see my guns - get it Now tell ya friends Poppa hit it then split it In two as I flow with the Junior Mafia I don't know what the hell's stoppin' ya I'm clockin' ya - Versace shades watchin' ya Once ya grin, I'm in game, begin

Understand this fact: you can have neither my money, nor my weapons. I suggest that you inform your peers that we engaged in violent sexual acts. Currently, I am rapping with my associates, the Junior Mafia. I'm having some difficulty understanding why you refuse to approach me. I am attempting to make eye contact with you through my expensives glasses, and as soon as you respond with a smile, I will approach you.

First I talk about how I dress and this And diamond necklesses - stretch Lexuses The sex is just immaculate from the back I get Deeper and deeper - help ya reach the Climax that your man can't make Call and tell him you'll be home real late Let's sing the break

I prefer to open the conversation with light banter about my wardrobe and jewelery, then I like to discuss my collection of expensive cars. This is more than enough to convince you to have sexual intercourse with me. I am able to insert my penis further into you when I enter you from behind. Furthermore, you will be able to reach orgasm. I understand this to be a problem with your current sexual partner. He needn't be concerned about your whereabouts. Please phone him and inform him that you won't be home for a while. By the way, please sing the chorus of the song for me also.

She's sick of that song on how it's so long Thought he worked his until I handled my biz There I is - major pain like Damon Wayans Low down dirty even like his brother Keenan Schemin' - don't bring your girl 'round me True player for real, ask Puff Daddy

Your current love interest no longer wishes to hear your fabrications about the length of your member. After I had sexual intercourse with your woman, she became enlightened as to the proper way it is supposed to be performed; violently and immorally. It would be in your best interest to keep your woman away from me as my sexual prowess is very strong. If you are unconvinced, ask Puff Daddy.

You - ringin' bells with bags from Chanel Baby Benz, traded in your Hyundai Excel Fully equipped, CD changer with the cell She beeped me, meet me at twelve
Despite the fact that you attempted to win her at her doorstep with bags full of expensive clothes and a car (the lower end model Mercedes Benz which you financed by signing over your current vehicle) containing an expensive stereo and a cellular phone, your woman has contacted me through my pager indicating that we should rendezvous at midnight.

Where you at? Flippin' jobs, playin' car notes? While I'm swimmin' in ya women like the breast stroke Right stroke, left stroke what's the best stroke Death stroke - tongue all down her throat Nuthin' left to do but send her home to you I'm through - can ya sing the song for me, boo?

You, on the other hand, jump from job to job, barely able to maintain payments on the Mercedes Benz you purchased for your woman. Meanwhile, I continue to engage in sexual intercourse and commit lewd osculatory acts with your women. My only remaining option is to request that they leave my home and return to you because I have reached orgasm and no longer have a need for their presence.
So, what's it gonna be? Him or me? We can cruise the world with pearls Gator boots for girls The envy of all women, crushed linen Cartier wrist-wear with diamonds in 'em The finest women I love with a passion Ya man's a wimp, I give that ass a good thrashin'

The ultimate decision rests with you. Whom do you choose as your sexual partner. I can take you on cruises around the world. I will dress you in the finest jewelery and footwear. You will be envied by women worldwide in your fine clothes and jewelery. There is a special place in my heart for beautiful women. I will defeat your man in an altercation because he is effeminate.
High fashion - flyin' into all states Sexin' me while your man masterbates Isn't this great? Your flight leaves at eight Her flight lands at nine, my game just rewinds Lyrically I'm supposed to represent I'm not only the client, I'm the player president

You will be dressed in finest clothes on the runways of Paris. I will fly you to every state to shop for fine clothes and jewelery. You will enjoy sexual intercourse with me and your man will be forced to pleasure himself through manual stimulation. What a life! I'll return you to LaGuardia in time to catch your 8 o'clock flight. The timing is perfect becuase I have scheduled a date with a second woman who arrives at the same gate at 9 o'clock. I'll seduce her in the same way that I seduced you. I rap well and I am a positive reflection of my hometown. Not only am I a sexually deviant, misogynistic, immoral, wealthy, male prostitute, but I also sit on the board of directors of the organization that governs others of my kind.