Hemidemisemiquavers

You must not think me necessarily foolish because I am facetious, nor will I consider you necessarily wise because you are grave. -Sydney Smith

If you're not failing some of the time, you're not trying hard enough. --Anonymous

A placard held by Brian Bunell of Maryland at the 9/12 FreedomWorks rally at the U.S. Capitol read. "How Is That Hopey Changey Thing Workin' Out For Ya?"

Despised by all but the most inveterate masochists, the necktie traces its origins to the uniforms of 16th century Croatian mercenaries in the employ of King Louis Xlll of France. In a sartorial choice that has baffled and dismayed people ever since, upper-class Parisians adopted the mercenaries' knotted scarf, which they called a "cravat"-- a mispronunciation of the word "Croat" probably caused by a restricted larynx.
The cravat eventually evolved into the modern necktie, which was eventually paired with an outfit consisting of a heavy jacket and flimsy slacks, a design that guarantees that its wearer will be uncomfortable regardless of the ambient temperature.
The predecessor to the modern suit and tie emerged in Britain in the early 1800s, with Beau Brummel, an influential fashion arbiter and friend of the Prince Regent, the future George lV. Brummel, who claimed to have spent two hours getting ready each morning, can also be blamed for introducing the expectaion that men should have to shave their faces every single day.