On an afternoon just such as this, eighty-nine years ago, the ocean liner Lusitania was struck by a German torpedo and was at the bottom of the Celtic Sea within 20 minutes. Almost all the passengers and crew perished, and most significantly, many of them were Americans. Many believe this event precipitated the entry of America in to World War One, and have a sneaking suspicion that the British withheld intelligence about sub activity in the area.

Fact is, the captain of the Lusitania had been given instructions to take evasive counter measures, and the German's had been very open about their intention to attack British ships. It was full steam ahead though for the Lusitania, even though it was carry 173 tons of munitions for the war effort. After the sinking the American government sent not one, but three nasty letters to the Germans, who eventually said they were very sorry, and promised not to do it again.

Within the year though they had sunk an Italian liner, and in 1917 they pushed it too far and sunk the U.S. liner, Housatonic. In March of the same year they sunk four more U.S. merchant ships and Pres. Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against them no count Squareheads. And so begun one of several bail-outs of Britain by the U.S., a fact that everyone is kind enough to remind me of on a daily basis.

From this point forward the German's went on bit of a World War losing streak, and to add insult to injury, they lost the 1966 World Cup final to England, 3-1. "Gott in Himmel!", they might have said.

The moral of this tale? Don't make like Germans tomorrow.

Sorry for being so quiet lately. It's been a particularly loathesome week at my insufferable job. I'll make it up to you with this great link and this one forwarded to me by the Prez. Be patient when they're loading. It's well worth the wait.

For those of you who were conspicuously absent from practice tonight, be at Fox Street by 11:30am on Saturday so you can help with field set up etc. Also bring food for after the match. Kick off of the A game will be at 1:00pm.

The national team has named the Eagles for the Super Cup in Tokyo later this month. The nippy halfback from the Wolfhounds looks set for his first cap.

It was brought to my attention that yesterday's blog made no mention of rugby, and was therefore beyond my jurisdiction. My response was that "rugby is life, and life is rugby", thereby leaving me free to post whatever I damn well feel like, see?

Today though, I am all business, and want to start by launching the great PRFC Bumper Sticker contest. I am soliciting (serious) suggestions for a bumper sticker to be created to promote both the club and the game. Since I am funding this little venture, that makes me the sole judge, and all participants agree to be bound by my irrational selection process. If not, then you are free to get your own stickers made. All submissions become the property of PRFC and become elligible for inclusion in all PRFC media. The winner will see their submission immortalized in a sticker that will be seen all over New England, will get a free one themselves, as will all club members who have paid their dues. Players who have not paid their dues can purchase one for five easy monthly payments of $19.99.

So go ahead and e-mail me your suggestions. Extra credit will be given for originality, wit and sucking up. Remember, it has to fit in approx. 4" x 10", so keep it brief. Once it seems like you have all had a go, I will post the best here, along with the ulitmate winner. Hard, sticky copies will follow shortly. Let me start the ball rolling with my own submission, "There's no crying in rugby". Geddit?

Alright, at the time of writing, practice was still on at Fox Street, 6pm. Some old boys may be filtering through as they prep for their game against Amoskeag, so please show them typical PRFC hospitality. Wait...on second thoughts, don't do that.

Lastly, since I will be away from the computer for most of the week, I must give props to the Mexican army of 1862 for sticking it to the French and giving us all reason to get hammered and eat nachos tomorrow. The full and objective account of typical French incompetence can be found here. "Muerte al Frances estupido", as we used to say in college.

May 3rd, 57 years to the day that Japan's post-war "make radios, not war" constitution was enacted. Largely scripted by the U.S., under the guidance of Supreme Allied Commander, Douglas MacArthur, it was full of progressive measures like universal suffrage and a bill of rights. The document even included a clause that outlawed Japan's right to make war. See? it's as easy as that!

Of course, Japan had been at war for five years before being bombed into submission, and it was a further five and a half years before the U.S. was to relinquish control back to the Japanese. Proof that nation building is not a job for the faint of heart.

But without it, there would have been no Iron Chef. Thank-you, Mac.