Puncherillo glorioso
A FIST fight broke out in the Italian parliament last week over comments one member made on television about another member's wife. But just what was it that Gianfranco Fini, a former ally of premier Silvio Berlusconi, said about the wife of Northern League leader Umberto Bossi? Did he impugn her honour, cast aspersions on her virtue?
Nothing as hot-blooded and traditional as that, it seems. Signor Fini merely mentioned on a talk show that Signorina Bossi had taken early retirement from a teaching job at the age of 39.
In the context of raising the retirement age in Italy as part of the economic austerity measures, it was enough to set off a free-for-all, a glorious melee.
The exact cause of the anger is still a puzzle to outsiders. But there can be no doubt that Italian politicians – led by the philandering Berlusconi – provide entertainment in no way equalled by their grey counterparts elsewhere in Europe and America.
Wow!
DID YOU KNOW this? If you look up, you can see space from the Great Wall of China.
Missing kayak
KAYAK enthusiast Tarryn Goble had her car stolen on the Berea a few days ago. Unfortunately it was not just the car. On the roof was her blue Pope's Kestrel kayak (No 7330) and a pink max paddle (M3 blade).
She reasons that car thieves usually don't want kayaks as well, so they would probably have dumped it somewhere. Anyone finding a kayak of that description should phone Tarryn at 031-5087480 or fax 031-5087597.
She doesn't give a description of the car. These kayak folk have their priorities.
Do the math
UNDERCURRENTS of discontent are discernible in this account from America of the evolution of teaching maths (though our correspondent, of course, calls it "math").
"Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled eight cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and three pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s"
He then goes on to spell out this evolution:
· In the 1950s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
· In the 1960s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
· In the 1970s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
· In the 1980s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
· In the 1990s: A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers and if you feel like crying it's OK.)
· In the 2000s: If you have special needs or just feel you need assistance because of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, childhood memories, criminal background, then don't answer and the correct answer will be provided for you. There are no wrong answers.
· In 2011: Un hachero vende una carrtada de maderapara 100 pesos. El costo de la producciones es 80 pesos. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
Tailpiece
DID YOU HEAR about the terrorist group who hijacked an airliner full of lawyers on their way to a convention? They broadcast an ultimatum: "Unless our demands are met, we'll release one every hour."
Last word
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the fine line between sanity and madness gotten finer?
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