Thank You, Once Again

“He was my childhood hero – I mean maybe he can close his ears now – but he was a true inspiration back then for me and other kids, as he mentioned, in Kerpen. He was our hero and obviously we had the honour to meet him.

“He was taking care of the championship held in Kerpen and came to the last race, gave all the trophies to everyone, every child. More than a hundred at a time so he was very patient. Now obviously I understand that the busy schedule he had, taking that extra time for the fans but especially for us, for the kids racing, was something very special, a very special memory.
 
“When I met him the first time obviously I didn’t know what to say because I didn’t want to ask something stupid but for sure I remember these moments and then later on and today I think it’s a little bit different became you are more grown up and have a normal relationship.
 
“So when I talk to him now it doesn’t feel like talking to my childhood hero it feels like talking to Michael so I see the person rather than what he has achieved. But obviously you remind yourself that and the fact that I was racing against him the last couple of years, unfortunately not as close as probably he shared with Fernando.
 
“Still that thought or that image was very far away when I was a small kid because he was already in Formula One but for me it was a dream, so very far away. But a very special last couple of years, very special I think the relationship we share and I think he will always be an inspiration for myself.”

Worshipful Mayor, It seems

No word, as of now, can even begin to describe the epicness in this frame. Juan Manuel Fangio and Steve McQueen, during the filming of Le Mans. Heroes forever.

Gurus

The true Appaiah.

Rise

"I have never been able to make the difference like in 2004 at Yamaha, but the situation has changed. The bikes count for more now than back then. Also, in 2004 I was 24 and at the top of my form. Now I'm 33...

"I'm a rider who has lived twice: I won five consecutive titles like only two others have managed in history. Then I lost, but I returned and won again. Let's hope I become the man who lived three times."

Dead Shrimp (and King) Blues

16th August is the death anniversary of Robert Johnson and Elvis Presley.

Here's to ripping them hellhounds apart, skewering them, and roasting them slowwwwly by a brook...

'The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind'

Came an Eritrean maiden she

Just don't bang on about yesterday

I wouldn't know about that anyway

Stillmatic

And that's all one needs to keep the faith. Vale put a big fat grin on my stupid face on Sunday with his performance at Le Mans, in the pouring rain, aboard a Ducati Desmosedici which has been supremely useless this year. The last three laps were just AAAAAARGH and had me screaming and hurling things at the TV. And, as he does most of the time, Rossi made the move on Stoner stick and crossed the line. Truth be told, that second place was way, waaaay more satisfying than some of his victories. I hope things keep improving steadily from here on in.

And who presented the constructors’ trophy to Yamaha on that day? MSC.

This brings me neatly to the topic of his (non) performance thus far this season. When he announced that comeback in December ‘09, I dreamt of wins and championship glory until I saw the Bahrain race, after which I pared my expectations down to more realistic levels. And then there was the annus horribilis of 2011, when Mercedes was completely shat on. I don't care for race wins or world titles anymore - all I want to see is some fighting performances, some good duels with those who have superior machinery under them, him getting the better of his team-mate, performing beyond the abilities of the car once in a while, making it to the podium a few times, that sort of thing.

On the grid, Schu was interviewed prior to the race and was asked about whether Rossi still had it in him, in light of the difficulties he is facing at Ducati, and the reply came instantly: “He’s a legend and has been World Champion so many times. You don’t ever lose that.”

Just remind me of the things that made me a worshipper in the first place. Once. Please?

Good Hair Days

'But it was to her hair that one's attention was most attracted. Heaps and heaps of blue-black coils and braids, a royal crown of swarthy bands, a veritable sable tiara, heavy, abundant, odorous. All the vitality that should have given color to her face seemed to have been absorbed by this marvellous hair. It was the coiffure of a queen that shadowed the pale temples of this little bourgeoise. So heavy was it that it tipped her head backward, and the position thrust her chin out a little. It was a charming poise, innocent, confiding, almost infantile.' - From McTeague by Frank Norris

And unsurprisingly, I thought of this:

A song for Trina Sieppe.

Yes? No? Please?

You might know why.

It's Raining Gollums!

Pest: Have you got a boyfriend?
Sam: Yeah.

Pest: Are you sure about him? Where is he? Cos he ain't exactly looking after you tonight.
Sam: He's in Ghana.

Pest: You go out with an African man?
Sam: No, he's helping children. He volunteers for the Red Cross.

Pest: Oh, is it? Why can't he help the children of Britain? Not exotic enough, is it? Don't get no nice suntan.

She Never Wants To

'I sent her every type of flower
I played her a guitar by the hour
I petted her revolting little Chihuahua
But still she just didn't want to.'

Madddddd mofo, this Nick Cave is.

Happy Bday Old Man :)

43rd birthday, and another full F1 season beckons. There is an end.

As long as it's not today.

You should walk before they make you run, or you might want to nuke them :)

YES.