QUOTE (Whistle Blower @ Aug 5 2008, 08:59)

Managed to get this earlier than expected
Once upon a time there lived a vain Football Chairman whose only worry in life was to build a footballing mecca. He changed architects and designs almost every hour and loved to show them off to his people.
Word of the Chairmans's refined habits spread over his kingdom and beyond.
Two scoundrel architects who had heard of the Chairmans's plans decided to take advantage of it. They introduced themselves at the gates of the old ramshackled stadium with a scheme in mind.
"We are two very good architects and after many years of research we have invented an extraordinary method to weave a build a stadium so outstanding and fine that it looks invisible. As a matter of fact it is invisible to anyone who is too stupid and incompetent to appreciate its quality."
The Commercial Director heard the scoundrel architect's strange story and sent for the Club Secretary. The Club Secretary notified the Vice Chairman, who ran to the Chairman and disclosed the incredible news. The Chairman's curiosity got the better of him and he decided to see the two scoundrel architects.
"Besides being invisible, this stadium will be built in colors and patterns created especially for you." The Chairman gave the two men a bag of gold coins in exchange for their promise to begin working on the Stadium immediately.
"Just tell us what you need to get started and we'll give it to you."
The two scoundrel architect's asked for the rights to the old ground, a dedicated railway station, a seat on the board and 10% cut on all rental revenue and then pretended to begin working. The Chairman thought he had spent his money quite well: in addition to getting a new extraordinary Fottball Stadium, he would discover which of his subjects were ignorant and incompetent. A few days later, he called the old and wise Vice Chairman, who was considered by everyone as a man with common sense.
"Go and see how the work is proceeding," the Chairman told him, "and come back to let me know."
The Vice Chairman was welcomed by the two scoundrel arhitects
"We're almost finished, but we need a lot more money, the prie of steel has gone up you know. Here, Excellency! Admire the architecture, feel the build quality!" The old man bent over the scaffold and tried to see the stadium that was not there. He felt cold sweat on his forehead.
"I can't see anything," he thought. "If I see nothing, that means I'm stupid! Or, worse, incompetent!" If the Vice Chairman admitted that he didn't see anything, he would be discharged from his office.
"What a marvelous Stadium, he said then. "I'll certainly tell the Chairman." The two scoundrel architect's rubbed their hands gleefully. They had almost made it. More steel was requested to finish the work.
Finally, the Chairman received the announcement that the two architects had come to take all the measurements needed to lay the new pitch.
"Come in," the Chairman ordered. Even as they bowed, the two scoundrels pretended to be holding large replica of the stadium.
"Here it is your Highness, the result of our labour," the architects said. "We have worked night and day but, at last, the most football stadium in the world is ready for you. Look at the colors and feel how fine it is." Of course the Chairman did not see any colors and could not feel anything between his fingers. He panicked and felt like fainting. But luckily the throne was right behind him and he sat down. But when he realized that no one could know that he did not see the stadium, he felt better. Nobody could find out he was stupid and incompetent. And the Cahirman didn't know that everybody else around him thought and did the very same thing.
The farce continued as the two scoundrels had foreseen it. Once they had taken the measurements, the two began measuring the pitch.
"Your Highness, you'll have to way any rights to the old ground before you can sign for the new one." The two scoundrels draped the tape and sissors in front of the new Stadium. The Chairman was embarrassed but since none of his bystanders were, he felt relieved.
"Yes, this is a beautiful stadium and it looks very good to me," the Chairman said trying to look comfortable. "You've done a fine job."
"Sir," the vice Chairman said, "we have a request for you. The supporters have found out about this extraordinary stadium and they are anxious to see you declare it open." The Chairman was doubtful showing an empty field to the people, but then he abandoned his fears. After all, no one would know about it except the ignorant and the incompetent.
"All right," he said. "I will grant the people this privilege." He summoned his carriage and the ceremonial parade was formed. A group of dignitaries walked at the very front of the procession and anxiously scrutinized the faces of the people in the street. All the people had gathered in the street running up to the stadium, pushing and shoving to get a better look. An applause welcomed the procession. Everyone wanted to know how stupid or incompetent his or her neighbor was but, as the Chairman passed, a strange murmur rose from the crowd.
Everyone said, loud enough for the others to hear: "Look at the Chairmans new stadium. It's amazing, "What a marvellous stand"
"And the colors! The colors of that beautiful architecture! I have never seen anything like it in my life!" They all tried to conceal their disappointment at not being able to see the stadium, and since nobody was willing to admit his own stupidity and incompetence, they all behaved as the two scoundrels had predicted.
A large rotund gentleman, however, who had no important job and could only see things as his eyes showed them to him, went up to the stadium.
"The field is empty," he said.
"Fool!" his wife reprimanded, running after him. "Don't talk nonsense!" She grabbed her husband and took him away. But the man's remark, which had been heard by the bystanders, was repeated over and over again until everyone cried:
"The large rotund gentleman is right! The field is bare! It's true!"
The Chairman realized that the people were right but could not admit to that. He though it better to continue the procession under the illusion that anyone who couldn't see his new stadium was either stupid or incompetent. And he stood stiffly at the stadium, while behind him the board of directors held his imaginary doors to his imaginary stadium open.
Sadly, the Chairman was never seen again, and the stadium was never bulit, rumour has it the Chairman escaped the wrath of the people and fled to the USA.
fud