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Tyburn's definitions

Rasputinism

To be killed in a protracted, almost ridiculous way.

Derives from the case of Grigori Rasputin who was poisoned with cyanide, shot at least twice and then thrown in the River Neva. He was then dug up by Bolsheviks and his remains set on fire.
The posthumous execution of Benito Mussolini in 1945 and Oliver Cromwell in 1660 was classic Rasputinism.
by Tyburn January 2, 2008
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Do a Ford

To fall down a set of stairs.
To humiliate oneself in a public setting.
To bumble.
Gerlad Ford fell down the steps of Air Force One! He just did a Ford!

I might do a Ford and forget to wear clothes in front of my Mother-In-Law.
by Tyburn January 2, 2008
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Caligula

Emperor of Rome, succeded Tiberius.
When he was little, he was beloved by the Roman army. They nicknamed him "Little Boots" and made him their mascot.

Indeed, it appeared as though Caligula had it all. But Roman politics soon took it all from him.
Tiberius had most of his family killed and took little Caligula to live with him on the Isle of Capri.
It's hard to imagine how the young man felt, having to serve the same man who shattered his life.
But it seems likely that it left him with a lingering hatred of Rome, it's traditions and politicians.

So, when Caligula became Emperor, people initially rejoiced. But he soon ushered in an anarchic reign, designed to ridicule the establishment.
He made the army gather seashells, he threatened to make his horse - Incitatus - a senator, he dressed as Roman Gods.
The Roman elite would only take so much of this mockery. Eventually, they cornered Caligula in a hall way and hacked him to death.
Caligula is often portrayed as being insane. But it seems more likely that he was merely filled with a loathing of Rome because of his traumatic childhood.

Caligula's attacks on the establishment indicate that he was some form of primoridal anarchist. His actions were calculated, rather than being the random antics of a maniac.
by Tyburn February 28, 2010
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Rufus Scrimgeour

Former Minister of Magic. Died after torture. Possibly a vampire.
by Tyburn January 2, 2008
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George W. Bush

Controversial President of the United States of America. Succeeded Bill Clinton and defeated Al Gore in the 2000 election. He is known for his strong religious convictions, initiating the "War On Terror", creating the PATRIOT Act, unusual speaking manner (Called "Bushisms" by some) and foreign policy choices which a large number of people disagree with. Unfortunately his actions have given Westerners, Americans and Christians a bad name. And some, such as Michael Moore, have gone as far as to say this his 2000 election victory was rigged.
Also known for his close, much ridiculed, relationship with former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
I find George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq repugnant.

As an Atheist I find George W. Bush's overt Christianity disturbing.

I voted for George W. Bush
by Tyburn January 2, 2008
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anglophobia

Someone who hates the English peoples. This can be due to past human rights abuses, wars, racial or religious hatred or a good natured rivalry.
France and England have a mutual dislike steeped in history which is a big part of both cultures. France is Anglophobic and England is Francophobic.

Scottish nationalists would be happy to watch English children die because their anglophobia comes from a deep rooted racism.

Al Queda is anglophobic because English people are mostly Atheist.
by Tyburn January 2, 2008
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Henry VIII

King of England. He is known for marrying seven women. Two of which were beheaded for a variety of reasons. He also attempted to remove the Catholic Church from England through widespread destruction, looting and executions. The greatest threat to his rule was a revolt know as "The Pilgrimage of Grace" who were led by Robert Aske. Due to Henry VIII's ruthlessness and powers of deception the ringleaders were eventually rounded up and executed.
Won the Battle of The Spurs against the French and declared "Defender of The Faith" by the Pope, a title that Monarchs in England still hold to this day.
He is remembered as a tyrant but arguably did much to add legitimacy to the crown after years of bloody civil war between the Lancastrians and the Yorkists.
Henry VIII was the King of England.

Henry VIII created the Church of England.

Henry VIII was a strong, yet murderous, ruler.
by Tyburn January 2, 2008
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