BDP performing live in 1989, My Philosophy and I’m Still Number 1.

Opus — Life is Life live (1985). Similar to the Laibach version in many ways though note differences in lyrics.

Maradona showing off for the crowd with Life is Life by Opus playing in the Stadium (background).

Laibach — Life is Life (thanks Gabrielle).

Interesting article in the New York Times — even if you think it’s all rubbish.

Just a few more days and the smoking ban in France will start. I will be able to go out for a drink and not smell like an ashtray. Check here for the rest of Europe.

One of my favorite Banknotes.

Borrowed from the new (fútbol) Blog by our friend Jennifer Doyle, From a Left Wing:

“But most interesting, and forthcoming, were guys working the match as referee & linesmen, all certified by CAFLA, a training school for refs, run, as it should be, in spanish — the defacto language of the pitch in Southern California. I catch them as they are loading up their cars long after everyone else has left. And where with the others my introduction “Hello, I’m researching amateur soccer in LA” was met politely, but not exactly with enthusiasm — the ref’s spot my Club América scarf, and so start teasing me about what a disaster Mexican soccer is (”crazy fútbol!”). Turns out the three are from El Salvador. We talked about the Mexico vs Argentina World Cup match — one of the best of the summer.”

Sales of weapons to Iran (and Iraq), aiding the Contras, Cocaine trafficking and plans to suspend the Constitution under emergency authority of FEMA — no wonder everyone is nostalgic for the Reagan era…