This bit, the bit when most people get to collectively cease going to work for a few days, stop, see people they love in repose: that's what people like about Christmas. Doing nothing except being relaxed and alive. All the rest is just peripheral.

I'm actually beginning to enjoy how much UK broadcasters clearly want Newcastle United to fail, to be asset stripped, to be put back in their place. We're non-compliant. #NUFC

Masters needs to renew his understanding of the word 'meritocracy'.

She's making a very good point. We have to pay these bastards 15 quid a month - it's the law - but you won't get actual representation.

Get in, looking forward to reading this! Grown Up Rap

R.I...P!

30th anniversary today of the release of this absolute classic. Loved it when I was 20, love it at 50. Not a skippable track. Unbelievably powerful and intricate. A great piece of musical and lyrical art. Respect to the two creators, 19-year-old lads at the time.

Funk Mountain

Watching the 'Fast and Furious' series with my 10-year-old and it has to be said: there's very little more potent and entertaining than absolute fucking nonsense. Congratulations also to Vin Diesel for being genuinely unable to convey any emotion whatsoever. It's a rare talent.

Back in the monthly-wage world at just the right time.

I missed this, because I've been busy, but I want to say that Sylvester Stewart was my favourite musical genius. The recorded output from 1967-1973 is unrivalled in the history of music. Music and words that did the impossible: really encapsulate and evoke feeling every time.

It was quite hot there.

Analysis and 'feel' in golf betting has put me £1400 up in the past year. It's been welcome, sometimes needed. Cheers to Martin Mathews Dave Tindall Niall Lyons and Ben Coley for the statistical pointers and 'vibes' tutelage again this year.

Football has decided to let some clubs go at light speed while other clubs are allowed to go at near light speed. Then we all have to celebrate and console as appropriate when a destination is reached first or later. All the while, morons clap and bark #NUFC

Get in. Won the comments again for 5 out of the last 6 years. Interestingly, 'not big club' NUFC got the most comments of any club preview. #NUFC theguardian.com/football/2025/…

Traditional away match season starter journey to South Shields. Massive telly, cheap pints and the wit and wisdom of The Magpie Slug

The Isak situation isn't just about Isak. #NUFC can't be seen to cave in to the unsettling of a player and the acceptance of a below-value offer, as that would shatter any chance of long-term success. It's a sad situation and a bitter pill, but it's about more than #Isak.

"It's like playing Minecraft" says my son 😆 #refcam

#NUFC All of our players are fucked. I'd pencilled this in for October.

I know that a lot of people believe, as Chris Rock said, "A man is as faithful as his options" but Isak's behaviour has been terrible. Not everyone does act like a cunt buy this behaviour is going to become more normal in football because it works, especially in a PSR age. #NUFC