Octopus of Odstock

By the way, for those coming late: At Stroessner's death it was: Stroessner 3, Sharon 5, Castro 1, Ford 0. Iain has voted for Stroessner, post-death. Canny lad.

Bit surprised to see in a search, that he's barely mentioned anywhere, apart from me moaning that he hasn't died yet. Well, it looks like he might just soon: Stroessner in "fragile" condition, in intensive care. Stroessner in "critical condition" This thread may be a relatively short one if he dies soon, but if he somehow comes out of this, then he's a worthy candidate for DL next year. But OOO needs DDP points (especially if Sharon dies soon) & with Stroessner being a right bastard anyway, OOO would be most pleased with Stroessner's passing.

You know what... that is actually possible. I wouldn't say all of them in the next few weeks, but all of them by the end of the year is not too fanciful an idea. But who can tell in this funny year for deaths. One thing though.. I wouldn't exactly call Ford or Waldheim a "dictator" as such...

Well, it's picking up now - Stroessner makes it three, and looks like Tupou, at the very least, will be joining him in the next few days..

Midges "dying in record numbers"

Not only that, it's not even Josco's birthday, so Banshees Scream will post another Happy Birthday on the day. Either way, MPFC is going to win hands down. I'd put good money on it.

Yay! But this poll can still be useful as the race for silver, bronze & the wooden spoon, as it were, continues, I guess. Well done to FF (I presume) for doing the poll. (because it certainly wasn't Iain) [Yes, it was me who created it - ff]

Oh, jolly bean! DDP points are always welcome. I might get some more if Ford goes, but at least I've banked 4 points before the Sharon/Mafouz/anyone else race to join Stroessner. DDP aside, I really can't say I'm sorry to see Stroessner go, and neither, by the looks of it, is Paraguay: Paraguay had said earlier it would not pay tribute to him as he was a renegade from justice and was wanted for questioning over alleged rights abuses. That photo of him c. 2001, he looked pretty naff then, so he did well to get this far, although earlier this year I had my doubts whether he'd go because he was still semi-active..

Not THE Richard Sheppard. Oh no! This is a great tragedy. How could Iain miss this one! Windsor, you have no links to these deaths to verify them, however. Maybe you could post them all on Wikipedia & then have the immense satisfaction of seeing Iain's stupidity in full flow as he posts them again here later. I have the Bucks Herald at home now, I can post the latest deaths too, if people would like to carry on reading about people who aren't famous on the near misses thread.

Firstly, no chance. He looks very well. (Saw him Sunday) Secondly, I guess Bruno Kirby fits into this category. Iain noted his death in Near Misses (credit where it's due) and not once was he mentioned, despite having leukemia, despite being obviously famous enough.

Well, lets hope your posts are better than the turgid sh*t Iain posts, at the very least. It takes a lot to be worse than Iain. Besides, if you were really "busy scouring the net", you'd know there's a 4th politician in hospital, Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, who looks likely to pip the other three.

I knew you'd going over the top as usual.. Right, to prove to everyone that you're not full of sh*t:- Link for the source that "suggests it is the end" Link for the source that says "Ford is a coma" Otherwise just don't bother posting your cretinous garbage.

Ebert "recovering from minor cancer surgery"

Buchwald's dream comes true... Looking at the picture of him, he looks robust enough in his wheelchair. He's having a whale of a time, isn't he?

Ecevit out of ICU & coma. Still a weak man, for sure, but on the mend, it seems.

If Rude Kid's reading this, or in case someone wants to tell him:- 1) Don't forget Patrick Allen is dead too. 2) Finally, a proper obit (and likely the only one) for Philip D'Arcy Hart Times Obit.

Damn right, I would've been. A fine specimen of ladyhood. An excellent array, CP. May I also proffer a blast from the past who still scrubs up well for her age (62): Slightly up-to-date. I have no idea who she is but she has a nice smile: Interestingly, it is also one of the ugliest woman in the world's birthday today. It wasn't always that way though: Young: Old:

As he's in the I & P list, it's worth posting it here. Naguib Mahfouz, 95, in intensive care.

After the death of Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who was a Tempus Fugit suggestion, I have updated the "A" section. Only two of these suggestions have died, which suggests either our suggestions are naff or famous people are currently defying the odds.

Happy Birthday, Star Crossed! Sadly, my legendary wit & imagination fails me once again, so I can't think of anything else, apart from hoping you enjoy your day.

I read an obit for Hugh Latimer back in early July. Read it, had never heard of him, and dismissed it. So to be told it is breaking news a month later comes as some surprise.

Either that or she's doing some kind of spin boo-hoo job to make us pay more for charity and coo how brave she is. She should be working for Bliar, really, not cycling. Severe pain in back, hip & pelvis? Well, I would imagine most people would have the same with that amount of cycling. Her weight has plummeted? Well, so has mine since I bought an exercise bike. I would imagine cycling in the heat does lose a few calories. Sorry, Jane, I ain't convinced you're ill until you go ahead & die. And the longer it has taken for you to do so, the more I fail to believe you.

MPFC, that's okay. I was a bit cranky myself as the weekend was tiring. I feel sapped this morning, so sorry. Honest evaluation? PLUSES: Fan-friendly. Anyone who went got their boots filled. Everyone (except Emerson) were very friendly, and the fans got so many autographs, photos etc. Word of mouth has got to help, and only £30 to get in is another plus. Great racing and grids will increase. Moreno, Boesel, Guerrero, Caffi and maybe Damon (one-off) will all be in it next year. NEGATIVES: Media coverage is appalling. You know, I thought I would have trouble in the media room getting a place. Not a bit of it. Bar the Autosport lot, there weren't many there. I think the reason it really took off was it was on the BBC and Murray was doing it. Murray is still doing it, but being on Sky Sports means more money for GPM, but less fans. Let's see how it goes. There's a lot to look forward too, but there are concerns. Basically, anything Bernie doesn't endorse, always has a struggle. But the racing & the drivers are better than anything CART can throw up, so who knows? And crucially, the right men are in charge of the operations & in the key positions. We shall see. I had a great weekend, though. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone who's got even a passing interest in F1.

MPFC, FFS, I know Denny Hulme is dead. I watched that Bathurst race live and I'm a F*****g motor racing journalist so I know my oats. I answered your question, "will someone do a Hulme", to which I said "I don't think we'll see a Hulme" and you've turned that totally on me to "tell" me Hulme is dead. Read what I say before misquoting me, eh?

Today's attendance was very disappointing, especially considering there was no GP elsewhere today. 2007 is already definite. After that, we'll see. I don't think we will see a Hulme, unless one of them crashes badly. They've got the same medical guy, Steve Olvey as IRL has & if he says no go, then that's it. Hence no more Jones & Laffite in this. Also, as it expands, the guys will get younger. Moreno, Boesel & Guerrero are likely to be in next year, and none of them are all that old or in bad condition.