I want noodles.

Most countries take turns when it comes to bad, unpopular or unsuitable leaders. Thank heaven that it doesn't happen to them all at once. Before suffrage and the idea of demoncracy spread its influence outward, many countries laboured under monarchies that tried politicians patience, drove the excheckers mad and generally screwed up the country until murder, revolution or both drove the unfortunate ruler from the throne.

The concept of bloodlines and inheritance is an obvious weak point in this system. Great kings and queens don't necessarily beget worthy successors. And add to this flaw the paranoid in- breeding that occured with some families in a twisted attempt to keep blood lines pure only increased the chances of producing iffy offspring.

One such example is Emperor Ferdinand (the good natured) of Austria. Born in 1793, he was mentally challenged and said to be not particularly good looking. He had a large head, flat on top, a big nose and it was said that one of his favourite passtimes was to stuff himself into wastebaskets and roll about the palace in them. A quote from him about his ability to govern tells the whole story: "It is easy to govern, but what is difficult is to sign one's name."

He took the throne in 1835, passing over his only brother, Franz(who was said to have had not much to offer as a leader too). A bride was chosen who actually became his nurse and helper, as Ferdinand had frequent and violent epileptic seizures.

Described by his contemporaries as an oaf representing the crown, he preferrred to describe his reign as "I am emperor, I want noodles, so get them."