Prince William and Kate Middleton...

A Royal Engagement brings out all the classic headlines. Although, "Kinky Kate: The skanky dress that caught Prince William's eye" was probably not the first headline I would have expected to see.

Nevertheless, here are a couple of pictures (one courtesy of Getty Images) of Ms. Catherine (aka Kate) Middleton before she became the future Queen of England. Perhaps, it was destiny or something. So, maybe she was always going to be the future Queen of England, and it was just a matter of time before fate ran its course.

In any event, these photos come from 2002 and a fashion charity show held at St. Andrews University in Scotland. Even to my aging eyes it looks like she was certain to turn a few heads in the outfit.

Yet, I wonder how the future King of England feels about his wife being described as "kinky" and "skanky"? After all, she was playing the part of fashion model for charity at an event that was charging in excess of $325 a ticket. To be honest that does not sound either kinky or skanky. So what if you can see her panties, it is a fashion show, right? Maybe I am getting old.

Congratulations to them both. May it be a long and fruitful partnership that bring you both much happiness.

Now for the photos...

4 July -- Rare Songs

Good luck happens to thrifty shoppers more often than one might think. Yet, it is always a good story when it does. Considering today is the Fourth of July and the US is celebrating its independence from those pesky British Colonizers it is interesting to find a story that seems to combine all of the essential elements.

A rare and original manuscript of one of America's most patriotic songs, America (My Country 'tis of Thee), has been bought for 10 dollars. Well, the person buying this rare and original manuscript thought they were buying a picture of a framed flower, but when they opened the frame they found something considerably more valuable than 10 bucks.

The manuscript was written early in 1831 by Samuel Francis Smith and it was first performed in public on 4 July 1831. It was performed in the First Baptist Church in Newtown, Massachusetts. What is funny is that the song was written to the tune of "God Save the Queen" which is the national anthem of the UK.

A patriotic song written to the national anthem of the UK. Smith obviously had a good sense of humour or a sense for the ironic.