Ow...

"I just spent the night with the sexiest, most insatiable, voluptuous, adventurous, least-inhibited woman I've ever met. If she didn't suddenly get a headache... woo hoo. there's no telling what wild and tawdry escapades we might have experienced."
-- Duckman
"Oh, and I do hope Mrs. Petrie's headache goes away."
-- Mrs. Kendall
"I'm very brave generally ... only today I happen to have a headache."
-- Tweedledum
"It is immoral to get drunk because the headache comes after the drinking, but if the headache came first and the drunkenness afterwards, it would be moral to get drunk."
-- Samuel Butler

I have a headache :(

Stay cool and safe, as I wallow in self-pity for my sad situation... and go with Mr. Butler's suggestion by indulging in a medicinal Harp Lager.

The Prince Consort is takin' me out for a date!

"There was abuse in my family, but it was mostly musical in nature."
-- Terry Bohner in A Mighty Wind
"Real folk music long ago went to Nashville and left no known survivors."
-- Donal Henahan
"Why don't you go listen to some folk music and give me a break!"
-- Taffy in Female Trouble

When the Prince Consort discovers something he likes it becomes an obsession with him. He has been through the Beatles phase, which still periodically pervades our like. He has, is, and will always be in the Dylan phase. I have accompanied him 12 times to see Dylan. As any real Dylan fan knows, Bob can sound clear, crisp, and chatty. Other times, he is incomprehensible. Always... always, he shows up with a tight, outstanding band. If Bob's voice sucks, the music makes up for it. It is all up to Bob's mood.

Anyhoo... this post wasn't supposed to be about Bob... Back to the Prince Consort and his obsessions... He has the heart of a folkie and he has just discovered Richard Shindell. Tonight he is taking me out to see Mr. Shindell at the Iron Horse Music Hall, which is a great venue. It is intimate and has a fabulous history. The Prince has forced me to listen a number of Mr. Shindell's songs and I have to say, he is pretty good. The lyrics are very entertaining and the music is a suitable partner. He wrote a GREAT song, Are You Happy Now?, that he better play... one, because I love it and, two, because it is Halloween themed. I am putting the lyrics below and you can listen to a snippet
here.

The music clip is from Pastemusic.com, so if you like it, visit there to buy the record. It is great!

Are You Happy Now?

You took the toaster when you went
You never paid your half the rent
You took the spices from the rack
But you don’t have to put them back
Cause in your haste on Halloween
You left your camera on the bed
Where we played roles in black and white
You left a role of black and white
I set the timer and thought of you
And put the lense up to my head
I took a photograph for you
What comes out gray is really red

Are you happy now?

I smashed your pumpkin on the floor
The candle flickered at my feet
As goblins flew across the room
The children peered into the room
A cowboy shivered on the porch
As Cinderella checked her watch
A hobo waited in the street
An angel whispered, trick-or-treat
But what was I supposed to do
But to sit there in the dark?
I was amazed to think that you
Could take the candy with you too

Are you happy now?

I’ve sat all night and now it’s dawn
And I cannot believe my eyes
There’s garbage strewn across the lawn
Where we once stared up at the sky
And streams of paper fill the tree
That hovered over you and me
Shaving cream covers the car
That we picked up in Baltimore
Though I know it’s hard to tell
I hope that what’s-his-name treats you well
I still maintain that he’s a bum
But it’s your money – have some fun

And are you happy now?

You always asked why I had not
Written you a verse or two
Since that’s the one thing I regret
I dedicate this one to you

Are you happy now?
Are you?

Let's hope Mr. Shindell shines and I don't get frostbite waiting out front! *BBRR* Oh the sacrifices I make for my hunk o' burnin' love!

Oh, and Donal Henahan, your quote above is crap! Folk music is alive and well, here in Massachusetts.

Stay cool and safe!

**UPDATE**

Mr. Shindell was FABULOUS and he did the song! He was kind enough to autograph the Prince's CD! He even looks better in person. ;^D

A brother and sister duo, Judd and Maggie, opened up for him and they were excellent. We bought their CD, which they, too, were kind enough to sign, and it is consistently enjoyable. Highly recommend it!

Platinum Perfection at 25 ... Yummy!

"Oh, darling! Born in that sweet birthday suit and having owned it and known it for so long ..."
-- Anne Sexton
"I crave to sample this gorgeous thing."
-- Zora Neale Hurston
"You're catnip to a girl like me. Handsome, dazed, and to die for."
-- Catwoman in Batman Returns
"Yes, you have a great body. May I use it?"
-- Benson in Saturn 3

Alan Smith turns 25 today! Happy Birthday! In case you aren't familiar with this handsome specimen, he plays for Manchester United Football Club. He was purchased to be a striker, but was given the opportunity this year to move to the midfield position, hopefully to be a long term replacement for Roy Keane, once my Roy retires. *SOB*

So far Alan has exhibited fabulous dedication and is quite serious about securing that spot. He even gave up playing for England in a game (or two?), so that he could gain more experience by playing with the reserves instead. He is a joy to watch. He is not afraid to be aggressive and looks forward to the work ahead.

I am normally not one who goes for the blondes... The first blond I ever found attractive was Rutger Hauer. *SIGH* I am a sap and sucker for romance, so I was hooked after Lady Hawke. Stop rolling your eyes! Everyone has certain weaknesses and guilty pleasures. The Old Fox used to say "Tail is a terrible thing..." I wonder what the male equivalent would be?

Anyhoo... back to Alan... I was lucky enough to obtain his autograph at a practice session a couple of years ago when Man Utd played Celtic in Philadelphia. After the practice, the players moved toward where the fans were and signed for several minutes, all of them (except Chris Eagles, who couldn't stop smiling just from being able to play with the first team), looking very serious as to discourage talking. That I could deal with. The fact that they took the time to sign was a big deal to me and the Prince Consort. (One reason why we I hate those pansy ass Neville brothers was their going straight to the locker room and NOT signing at all ... bastards!) During the signing sessions Alan was kind enough to sign our flag. I did gush a bit and said I thought it was great he came to the club and we wished him well. I think if he realized who I was, things would have been different... he probably would have been falling all over me with well wishes and offers of happily being my sex slave... ;^Þ

That game was the first that he scored a goal for Man Utd. Since then I was hooked on my Alan. He is just fun... and a lovely piece of man candy I wouldn't mind nibbling on ;^D

Stay cool and safe! Happy Birthday again Alan and I hope you have a fabulous year!

P.S. Son of a bitch... that little scorpio bastard shaved those cool platinum tresses... why the hell did he do that? He had just had the roots touched up too! GGRR...

The Epitome of Bravery...

"My only concern was to get home after a hard day's work"

"I am leasing the legacy to all of you... to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die -- the dream of freedom and peace."
-- Rosa Parks
"Of course, we learned this morning of the death of Rosa Parks, the pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement who one day was just sick and tired of being sick and tired and refused to give up her seat and inspired a whole generation of people to fight for freedom. And Mrs. Parks, who was 92 years old and lived a life that was long and inspirational, well beyond that single act. I think for all of us her inspiration will live on ..."
-- Sec. of State, Condoleeza Rice
"Well, Rosa Parks is such an inspiration to me and to millions of people in our country and around the world. And what she did was a simple act, an act of dignity. That's really what she is, she's a dignified woman who realized she didn't have to go to the back of the bus. And what she did made all the difference for all the people who came after her. And it was just a beautiful, simple act. And all of us can take lessons from that, we really can. We can think about our own individual acts, the smallest ones and how they can make a difference. If we treat people with dignity, if we treat ourselves with respect and dignity, we can make a big difference for our country and world just like Rosa Parks did."
-- First Lady Laura Bush
"Today America also honors the memory of one of the most inspiring women of the 20th century, Rosa Parks. Fifty years ago, in Montgomery, Alabama, this humble seamstress stood up to injustice by refusing a bus driver's order that she give up her seat for a white man. Her show of defiance was an act of personal courage that moved millions, including a young preacher named Martin Luther King. Rosa Parks' example helped touch off the civil rights movement and transformed America for the better. She will always have a special place in American history, and our nation thinks of Rosa Parks and her loved ones today."
-- President George W. Bush

February 4, 1913 -- October 24, 2005

Her courage has always blown me away. I can't imagine having the guts to be so valiant.

Stay cool and safe and may you rest in peace Mrs. Parks.

Happy 20th Birthday Roo!

"Maybe it's our job to try to calm him down but then that's Wayne being Wayne I don't think you can take that out of him. He's still very young and there will be times when the more senior players will tell him to calm down. But the minute you take that spirit out of his game you will lose a big part of what he gives the team. His aggression is one of his big strengths. You have to control it but I'm sure he'll learn to do that more and more as he goes on. Wayne has been fantastic. I really can't say enough about him."
-- "Super" Frank Lampard
"He is the biggest England talent I've seen since I arrived in England. We were beaten by a special goal from a very special talent. There has certainly not been an under 20 player as good as him since I became a manager here. You do not need to be an expert to see that he is a special talent, very special."
-- Arsene Wenger
"Wind the young lad up and you are playing against 10 men. There is no doubt Wayne can achieve whatever he wants because his ability is fantastic."
-- Alan Shearer

Today is Wayne Rooney's 20th birthday. He is ridiculously talented, has a temper like a rattlesnake, and the unselfishness of a true team player. He is dangerous and everyone knows it. He shakes up teams, plays rough and hard, and makes defenders cloy onto him, giving his fellow team mates opportunities to make brillant goals. When he isn't making fabulous set ups, he is slamming ones in for himself. He is a force to be reckoned with. He is a joy to watch!

I thank his mother Jeanette, for going through the labor and bringing up a young man who is grounded and still has not let it get to his head... If only his fianceé Coleen could slow down on spending all his mega £s, I would be more at ease.

Thank you, Wayne, for giving the Prince Consort and I such entertainment. May age bring a bit of mellowness, but for lordy sakes, don't lose all the rage. I just love the thrill of knowing that at any time a yellow or a red card could be thrown in your direction because you fight the good fight and give it your all!

Stay cool and safe Roo and may the tabloids not be too filled tomorrow with your goings on ... BTW... split at birth or what?

Alfred E. Newman	Alfred E. Rooney

You dirty, double-crossing rat...

"A medium Vodka dry Martini—with a slice of lemon peel. Shaken and not stirred, please. I would prefer Russian or Polish vodka."
-- James Bond, in Dr. No
"Bond smoked like Peter Lorre, drank like Humphrey Bogart, ate like Sydney Greenstreet, used up girls like Errol Flynn … then went to a steam bath and came out looking like Clark Gable."
-- Harry Reasoner

This is James Bond




This is James Bond




This is James Bond ... well kind of...




This is James Bond




This is James Bond




This is the guy who got his ass kicked by Lara Croft




Any questions?

I cannot express my dismay clearly enough about the choice of the new Bond. When I think of Bond, I fantasize of a tall (minimum 6'1"), dark, ridiculously handsome, sexily sinister in a hot, dangerous way, MI-6 God. Someone who would get you to do things that you wouldn't normally do *WINK, WINK, NUDGE, NUDGE, SAY NO MORE* with nary an effort.

*SIGH* Daniel Craig is none of these... Such a disappointment. Of course, I guess I never got over him being the would-be rapist in "Sharpe's Eagles". Yeah, and Sharpe kicked his ass in that one too!

Stay cool and safe and pine for Hugh Jackman or Clive Owen! *SOB*

P.S.... (I can't resist) If any of my people don't know who Sharpe is, here is a pic to feast on. Consistenly pretty, my Sean...

The Light at the End of the Tunnel... TGIF!

"Work is the curse of the drinking class."
-- Oscar Wilde
"The drink is slipping its little hand into yours."
-- J. Bryan, III, On the start of a perfect weekend, Travel & Leisure, July 1974

I can't wait until this workday is over. Setanta is FINALLY showing a Coca Cola Championship League game with Sheffield United. Setanta shows games from this league every weekend, but, up to this point, has only showed 1 Blades game. TERRIBLE! They are in first place for heaven's sake! These are the games they should be showing! That is like showing EPL games, but not showing Man U, Chelsea, or Liverpool! Cripes!

The rest of the weekend will consist of taking the Royal pet to the Royal Veterinarian for her yearly shots. If you hear screaming, hissing, and roaring Saturday morning about 9:30 a.m., that is her at her appointment... If you hear the screaming, hissing, and roaring later in the day then that means the Prince Consort and I are watching Manchester United losing to Sunderland... Ack! No stinkin' thinkin'! The boys will prevail!!!

Sunday, I may attempt to cook fried chicken for the first time. It is intimidating, exciting, and scary! We'll see if I have the courage and the energy...

Stay cool and safe, my children! I leave you, especially the ladies, with a pic of my favorite Sheffield United Fan *SIGH*... Ain't he pretty?



*UPDATE*
Son of a Bitch... the Prince Consort pointed out to me that Sheffield United with be shown NEXT Friday :( Another weekend without seeing the boys...

I couldn't agree more....

"Wise thinkers prevail everywhere."
-- Sophocles
"When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike, you do not wait until he has struck to crush him."
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

I just read Yoan Hermida's most recent post and think it is excellent! I think it is worth the space here, so here it is...

2005-10-01
Smash the Insurgency or Get Out
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I respect my chain of command, and I have a moral and legal obligation to carry out all legal orders given by it. That being said, I do have very personal opinions regarding what's going on in Iraq, which are probably quite biased because of the position I'm in right now, but which I hold with conviction nonetheless.

The Libertarian Party has come out with an "Iraq Exit Strategy (PDF) that has caught my attention. The paper makes certain points that, quite frankly, are naive and wrong. But I do agree with its central point: we need to accelerate the transition.

The LP argues that the Iraqi security forces are strong enough to fight the insurgency. Furthermore, they argue that the strongest and most troublesome insurgent faction are the local Sunnis. Wrong and wrong, and I have seen first-hand evidence to the contrary. The security forces can't even defend their own compounds and the most hardcore and dangerous faction is the one made up of foreign terrorists.

Now, how do we speed up the transition?

My solution is too radical to have any real chance of being implemented on a national scale, but most of what I will propose has already been tried in Fallujah and more recently, Tal Afar. But I'll share it with you anyway: seal the borders, declare the country a free-fire zone, arrest all radical clerics, ban loudspeaker prayer, and close all mosques for the duration of the operation. Iraq will not be free as long as the insurgency is not smashed once and for all.

If this is not done, we must pursue some variant of the Libertarian proposal because military resources must be freed up in Iraq so that we can pursue Islamofascists in other lands. The only way to win the War on Islamofascism is to eliminate their will to fight. And the only way we can do that is by making them understand that we, as free men and women, are prepared to take any measure, and endure whatever sacrifice, to make sure they are destroyed physically and ideologically.

I couldn't agree more! BTW... I just couldn't bring my self to include his ending ... I decided to put it in, but revised it somewhat and hope that he won't be too offended :-Þ

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PS-GO RED SOX!!! 2004 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!
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Stay cool and safe!