Issue 157, page 5

Search Home FAQ Links Site map Book Store

BackIssues

New Ask Us Theory About
Laughing Stock

The News

The following are all excerpts from genuine (mostly British) newspaper stories:

A sex line caller complained to Trading Standards [U.K. equivalent of Consumer Affairs-M&M]. After dialing an 0891 number from an advertisement entitled "Hear Me Moan" the caller was played a tape of a woman nagging her husband for failing to do jobs around the house. Consumer Watchdogs in Dorset refused to look into the complaint, saying, "He got what he deserved."

From The Guardian:  After being charged 20 £ for a 10 £ overdraft, 30 year old Michael Howard of Leeds changed his name by deed poll to "Yorkshire Bank Plc are Fascist Bastards". The Bank has now asked him to close his account, and Mr. Bastards has asked them to repay the 69p balance by cheque, made out in his new name.

From the Churchdown Parish Magazine:  Would the Congregation please note that the bowl at the back of the Church, labelled "For The Sick", is for monetary donations only.

From The Guardian concerning a sign seen in a police canteen in Christchurch, New Zealand: "Will the person who took a slice of cake from the Commissioner's Office return it immediately. It is needed as evidence in a poisoning case."

From The Times: A young girl, who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth, was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster. A coast-guard spokesman commented: "This sort of thing is all too common these days."

Thanks to Graham for this.  As requested, we will donate his $10 to charity.

Send us your clipping or photograph (via e-mail or snail mail). If we use it in Laughing Stock, you will receive a $10 gift certificate from Amazon.com!

PREVIOUS  | ETYMOLOGY BOOKSTORE | HOME

Comments, additions? Send to Melanie & Mike: melmike@takeourword.com
DO NOT SEND QUERIES TO THAT ADDRESS.Instead, ASK US.

Copyright © 1995-2002
TIERE

Last Updated 05/22/02 06:42 PM