Cat Nap - This Takes The Biscuit

You know the feeling. You are at this dinner party, you eat

a little too much, perhaps one glass of wine too many, and before

you know it you just cannot keep your eyes open.

Binge Drinking? The English Come A Poor Second

If the English think they lead the world in binge drinking, they had better think again. I have just been reading an article that defies belief. Sergei Kondratyev, a Russian from Yekaterinburgh city, was laid-off from his job, and feeling "awfully disappointed" decided to take himself off to the grocery store and bought a bottle of vodka and two lumps of cream cheese. He was later joined by a friend, who was described as 'of large stature' and presumably therefore able to hold his drink. It appears that shortly after that, unhappy Sergei's recollections became very hazy. Following the drinking session Sergei found himself in the Yekaterinburgh hospital. Neurosurgeon, Stanislav Chursin who attended him said, "We did the analysis and gasped ...According to the most modest estimate, the man drank no less than eight bottles." He added, "His blood contained as a minimum, twice the deadly dose." The patient, described as clutching his head while he was interviewed, has vowed not to touch another drop. Vodka in Russia is typically 80 proof or 40 percent alcohol, and sold in half-litre bottles (about 35 imperial ounces, 33.8 US ounces).
Footnote
According to Encyclopedia Britannica vodka originated in Russia during the 14th century, and the name is a diminutive of the Russian voda (water). It was not originally called vodka - instead the term 'bread wine' was used. Until the mid-18th century, it remained relatively low in alcohol content, was mostly sold in taverns and was quite expensive. The first written usage of the word vodka in an official Russian document in its modern meaning is dated by the decree of Empress Elizabeth of June 8, 1751, which regulated the ownership of vodka distilleries. The taxes on vodka became a key element of government finances in Tsarist Russia, providing at times up to 40% of state revenue.

Final Lorry Art

(Click on image to enlarge)

Today we bring you the final picture in our Lorry Art series. I hope you have enjoyed this brilliant series. The last one is for Pringles-Hot & Spicy. The side and back of the lorry have been painted to give the impression that the lorry trailer has been destroyed by fire.

And Here Are The Latest News Headlines

READ ALL ABOUT IT -----READ ALL ABOUT IT -----READ ALL ABOUT IT

Manchester United - 41 Years Ago

Tonight Manchester United play against Arsenal in the first-leg of the second semi-final of the UEFA Champions League Cup. Manchester United go into the game as the current champions having beaten Chelsea in last years competition. The last team to have managed to retain the trophy, was AC Milan in 1990. The competition, which began in 1955 has been won the most times by Spanish giants Real Madrid, who have lifted the trophy nine times in all. The most successful British team are Liverpool, five times winners, followed by United with three wins.

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Memory Lane

Pictured right is the cover of a souvenir booklet issued by the Daily Mirror in 1968, forty one years ago, to commemorate the World Club Championship match between Manchester United and the Argentine side Estudiantes de la Plata. This was the era when Sir Matt Busby was manager over such stars as George Best, Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law. Estudiantes de la Plata won the Championship, over two legs, 2-1 on aggregate. (Note the price of the souvenir 3/6 - three shillings and sixpence pre-decimalisation, todays equivalent seventeen-and-a-half pence).

(Thanks to Andrew Stancer for the loan of the souvenir)

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