Some Friday Fun?
George Bush may not be the most effortless of orators, but he can come up with a pithy metaphor.
To wit, "Wall Street got drunk" to explain the ever-widening ripples of the credit crunch. At a private fundraiser last Friday, the president of the United States of America asked for any cameras to be switched off, and then proceeded to .
Of course it's much harder to be brief than it is to expound at length - anyone who ever filled in one of those cereal packet competitions ("In 15 words or under, complete this phrase...") will know this all too well.
Sounds like the kind of challenge Magazine readers might relish. So, please, 15-word explanations for world crises - using the wisdom of everyday life rather than textbook answers.
Global warming, for instance. It's coffee with too much milk - you can't take it out once it's in...
Cast your pearls of wisdom using the Comments form below. There's a special reward for the wisest, pithiest or most diverting - the chance to be featured on Radio 4's Broadcasting House this Sunday morning, which is by far the Magazine's favourite current affairs programme hosted by Paddy O'Connell.
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Comment number 1.
At 25th Jul 2008, DisgustedOfMitcham2 wrote:The credit crunch:
I have two apples and lend you one. We now each have six apples.
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Comment number 2.
At 25th Jul 2008, Rob Falconer wrote:World terrorism - warfare without uniforms
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Comment number 3.
At 25th Jul 2008, georgehh wrote:The credit crunch:
When Goldilocks ate some porridge, she got a poorly tummy. Now none of the bears want to share each others porridge in case they get sick too.
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Comment number 4.
At 25th Jul 2008, georgehh wrote:Global warming:
Passing wind under the duvet.
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Comment number 5.
At 25th Jul 2008, JinjaCanary wrote:Global Dimming: The lights are on, but nobody's home.
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Comment number 6.
At 25th Jul 2008, Mike wrote:You lend out your car to Mrs. Careful and make money!..so you lend out your neighbours car to Ronnie Ram Rader and the business turns to custard!
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Comment number 7.
At 25th Jul 2008, oglidewell wrote:Investor's braces may be bright, but lending to those who've no hope of paying isn't.
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Comment number 8.
At 25th Jul 2008, The_Bob_Glasgow wrote:The Credit Crunch:
Wall Street was climbing a ladder. They ran out of rungs, but they kept climbing. Now they are plummeting...
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Comment number 9.
At 25th Jul 2008, LondonboyNikeyg wrote:The Labour Government - 'Stupid is as Stupid does'
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Comment number 10.
At 25th Jul 2008, Nod wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 11.
At 25th Jul 2008, rogueslr wrote:Obesity is like a man slipping on a banana skin, initially funny but ultimately painful.
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Comment number 12.
At 25th Jul 2008, The_Bob_Glasgow wrote:Being audited: Like having a well-dressed man reaching down your throat and asking you why you are missing a kidney.
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Comment number 13.
At 25th Jul 2008, Laurie_M wrote:The above comments:
A place for the mathematically challenged; counting to 15 isn't that difficult.
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Comment number 14.
At 25th Jul 2008, poppyEmski wrote:Saw an email at work explaining Economics using cows. Funny, but more than 15 words.
(the sentence this one was EXACTLY 15 words long-and so it this one)
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Comment number 15.
At 25th Jul 2008, davephillimore wrote:Political Statement - Truth but not as we know it!
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Comment number 16.
At 25th Jul 2008, SeatonCanoe wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 17.
At 25th Jul 2008, Candace9839 wrote:Global warming - it's about flatulent cows really, so try to eat more chicken and veg
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Comment number 18.
At 25th Jul 2008, eddy_mary wrote:Renewable energy is like sex - plenty of it about but always just out of reach.
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Comment number 19.
At 25th Jul 2008, Candace9839 wrote:Health care costs-
Eat an apple a day, play hard and stay away from people with bad colds
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Comment number 20.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:World poverty: Realising you are a millionaire in Zimbabwe
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Comment number 21.
At 25th Jul 2008, MrAngrier wrote:The Iraq War:
You sell somebody some tools, say "hey you've got my tools!", and beat them up.
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Comment number 22.
At 25th Jul 2008, SeatonCanoe wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 23.
At 25th Jul 2008, trigg_27 - Keep 606 alive for Rambo wrote:Global warming is caused by flatulent cows, therefore we need to eat more burgers.
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Comment number 24.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Credit Crunch: Imagine losing a £5 note, then finding a 50p piece, only to realise its fake.
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Comment number 25.
At 25th Jul 2008, trigg_27 - Keep 606 alive for Rambo wrote:We're born, we die. The bit in between is called life.
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Comment number 26.
At 25th Jul 2008, trigg_27 - Keep 606 alive for Rambo wrote:There are 10 types of people in the world. Those that understand binary....
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Comment number 27.
At 25th Jul 2008, Laurie_M wrote:Scientists claim majority die from natural causes - Government encourages population to take more risks.
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Comment number 28.
At 25th Jul 2008, sizeofanocean wrote:Global Warming:
The Earth is like a broken fridgefreezer, shove a towel under it.
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Comment number 29.
At 25th Jul 2008, essexbeancounter wrote:new cultures, exciting scenery, no stress, lovely weather, no mobiles saying @I'm on a ship' ................oh! world crises. I thought you said cruises
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Comment number 30.
At 25th Jul 2008, Absadaisy wrote:Economic Outlook is as appealing as a gorilla in a bikini..
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Comment number 31.
At 25th Jul 2008, The_Bob_Glasgow wrote:On my previous comments:
I think I'm funny, I think I'm clever; I'm not funny, and I can't count.
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Comment number 32.
At 25th Jul 2008, Rob Falconer wrote:The Credit Crunch - financially like cornflakes without milk
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Comment number 33.
At 25th Jul 2008, eddy_mary wrote:Oil: Oil is like wine - drink too much of it and you quickly wish you hadn't.
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Comment number 34.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Credit Crunch: Like the parable of the Loaves and Fishes. But without any fish, or bread..
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Comment number 35.
At 25th Jul 2008, realityleak wrote:101 greatest reasons to vote Labour
- Next week: How to nail Jelly to the ceiling
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Comment number 36.
At 25th Jul 2008, Candace9839 wrote:Rising petrol and food prices -
When filling up costs as much as a good bottle of Scotch used to
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Comment number 37.
At 25th Jul 2008, louis19 wrote:The Conservative Party - Spend more time failing on the right wing then David Beckham in America
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Comment number 38.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Global Warming: You're the one doing the binge drinking; their the ones who will get the hangover..
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Comment number 39.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Oops, try again:
Global Warming: You're the one doing the binge drinking; they're the ones who will get the hangover..
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Comment number 40.
At 25th Jul 2008, realityleak wrote:Tony Blair struggled for 10 years to save this country - but Brown got in eventually!
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Comment number 41.
At 25th Jul 2008, The_Bob_Glasgow wrote:Iran's/North Korea's nuclear ambition:
We have a big stick, but won't let them have one. They might hit us!
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Comment number 42.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Middle East Peace Talks: Trying to organise meaningful, honest and conciliatory dialogue between the parties is like herding cats.
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Comment number 43.
At 25th Jul 2008, The_Bob_Glasgow wrote:Religious differences:
God's way of saying that we don't know anything, and he's not going to tell...
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Comment number 44.
At 25th Jul 2008, lillipinkerton wrote:George W Bush
Proof that Political Patronage is the eighth deadly sin
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Comment number 45.
At 25th Jul 2008, louis19 wrote:New Labour and Tories:
Six of one and half a dozen of the other
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Comment number 46.
At 25th Jul 2008, lillipinkerton wrote:New Conservative Policy
From "Get on your bike" to "Get off my bike"
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Comment number 47.
At 25th Jul 2008, VictorAngryMan wrote:The Credit Crunch:
Labour gave us all the right numbers, but not necessarily in the right order!
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Comment number 48.
At 25th Jul 2008, I Am The Dobba wrote:The Olympics
Oh oh oh oh oh
That's not your speech Mr President That's the Olympic rings.
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Comment number 49.
At 25th Jul 2008, Rob Falconer wrote:America got drunk ... now it's got a hangover
On voting for Goerge W. Bush
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Comment number 50.
At 25th Jul 2008, VictorAngryMan wrote:RECIPE FOR RUINING ENGLAND:
Take 1 Scottish Prime Minister, 1 Scottish Chancellor, etc etc etc
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Comment number 51.
At 25th Jul 2008, OldFHill wrote:Global inequality and food shortages
Me me me it’s all about me. I want that, give it two me now.
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Comment number 52.
At 25th Jul 2008, cheaphooker wrote:Capitalism:
Eventually there will be one shop that sells everything. But the service will be terrible.
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Comment number 53.
At 25th Jul 2008, rogueslr wrote:Global warming is like having a barbeque but burning your house down getting it started.
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Comment number 54.
At 25th Jul 2008, TimothyWimothy wrote:Global Warming:
Like wetting your pants: initially feels pleasant, but ultimately not good
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Comment number 55.
At 25th Jul 2008, VictorAngryMan wrote:THE WELFARE STATE:
Why just struggle to pay your own bills when you can pay somebody else's too?!
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Comment number 56.
At 25th Jul 2008, falovalova wrote:Lowering greenhouse gasses is like a fart in a lift, theres alot of blame but nobody wants to take responsibility
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Comment number 57.
At 25th Jul 2008, Flux Redux wrote:CREDIT CRUNCH:
Like lending your wife to a friend, now you won't even lend him your ladder.
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Comment number 58.
At 25th Jul 2008, ThisbeDog wrote:The government encouraging us to save more:
Like Dracula telling you to eat more spinach
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Comment number 59.
At 25th Jul 2008, Electric Dragon wrote:"Wall Street got drunk. It got drunk and now it's got a hangover."
And the US Government was the irresponsible off-licence selling cheap vodka to the drunk.
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Comment number 60.
At 25th Jul 2008, falovalova wrote:Voting in Zimbabwe is like poking an octopus, your only reward is an inky finger
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Comment number 61.
At 25th Jul 2008, BialyCzerwony wrote:WMD - Weapons of Mass Destruction or Words of Media Delusive ??
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Comment number 62.
At 25th Jul 2008, Jordan D wrote:Games without frontiers, credit without tears.
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Comment number 63.
At 25th Jul 2008, nigelmccc wrote:Credit crunch: blindfolded game of musical chairs, played in a minefield, with a cracked record.
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Comment number 64.
At 25th Jul 2008, Far-Seer wrote:President Mugabe
We know he's evil, but he doesn't have oil!
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Comment number 65.
At 25th Jul 2008, virtualsam__ wrote:"Renewable energy is like sex - plenty of it about but always just out of reach."
and the middle east don't like it
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Comment number 66.
At 25th Jul 2008, MJR wrote:Global warming:
We let the air get dirty, we are all aerosoles, we better stop using them.
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Comment number 67.
At 25th Jul 2008, endebe wrote:Credit Crunch: Is when the banks realise they are lending each other money they don't have!
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Comment number 68.
At 25th Jul 2008, peterbradford wrote:I lied about WMDs? Tell that to the Iranian army or the Kurds!
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Comment number 69.
At 25th Jul 2008, cavoab wrote:³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ message boards:
Supplying megaphones to Beckham and Rooney and encouraging them to argue about Wittgenstein.
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Comment number 70.
At 25th Jul 2008, neilruston wrote:Credit crunch - I have two apples and lend you three ...!
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Comment number 71.
At 25th Jul 2008, Pot_Kettle wrote:The Credit Crunch
Gordon drove his dragster at Santa Pod Someone built a wall at the end
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Comment number 72.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Credit Crunch – The cause: I have no apples, but I lease you four (now rotten) ones, borrowed from you.
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Comment number 73.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Life as a Pessimist: Is like a box of chocolates – you always damn well know which one you'll get..
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Comment number 74.
At 25th Jul 2008, Pot_Kettle wrote:No more Tory Boom and Bust
Brown sat Canute like, convinced his will could stop the moons gravitaional forces
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Comment number 75.
At 25th Jul 2008, Pot_Kettle wrote:No deals on 42 days
UPS changed colours so Gordon wouldnt be caught handing over a brown bag of cash
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Comment number 76.
At 25th Jul 2008, aka_bluepeter wrote:The credit crunch is a computer virus for which the only known cure is Therapy with children expert in reality, common sense and basic mathematics
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Comment number 77.
At 25th Jul 2008, Pot_Kettle wrote:Referendum on EU Treaty
Singing: I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden
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Comment number 78.
At 25th Jul 2008, kit wrote:two incomes with a surplus = economic glee
same two incomes can't keep home = credit crunch
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Comment number 79.
At 25th Jul 2008, Pot_Kettle wrote:Defeat in Glasgow east
Too many people voted for the other Curran lady, Should have gone to Specsavers
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Comment number 80.
At 25th Jul 2008, Jordan D wrote:On Mugabe
We liked him once, but then he turned bad - now for his other friends to realise
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Comment number 81.
At 25th Jul 2008, Mike wrote:On what went wrong in Iraq:
'(the invasion of) Iraq is a long term success!'
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Comment number 82.
At 25th Jul 2008, Mike wrote:Socialism:
There is one shop that sells everything and the service is terrible!
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Comment number 83.
At 25th Jul 2008, Mike wrote:On gun crime:
Every country should give everyone a gun and we will teach them how to control gun crime.
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Comment number 84.
At 25th Jul 2008, John_Sevenoaks wrote:Earthquakes are inevitable. If you bash two big plates together, something's gonna get broke.
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Comment number 85.
At 25th Jul 2008, thebigbosh wrote:I am a doughnut
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Comment number 86.
At 25th Jul 2008, John_Sevenoaks wrote:Africa is difficult. The Africans want it back, but not all of them can.
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Comment number 87.
At 25th Jul 2008, John_Sevenoaks wrote:China is booming. That's bad in the long run. And it's getting worse.
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Comment number 88.
At 25th Jul 2008, John_Sevenoaks wrote:Inflation can be rampant, hyper, or runaway. Then it all get's too much - and stops.
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Comment number 89.
At 25th Jul 2008, stigmondo wrote:Global Warming: A butterfly flaps its wings in China, you feel cold and turn the heating up..
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Comment number 90.
At 25th Jul 2008, shouldersmagru wrote:The Credit Crunch:
"I know, we'll use this ball to get the other balls out of the tree."
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Comment number 91.
At 25th Jul 2008, georgehh wrote:Tensions in the Anglican Church: you're damned if you do; you're damned if you don't.
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Comment number 92.
At 25th Jul 2008, georgehh wrote:Economic crises: If we tel you there's going to be a recession, it will happen.
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Comment number 93.
At 25th Jul 2008, Rob Falconer wrote:World Finance :
What you lose on the swings, you lose on the roundabouts
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Comment number 94.
At 25th Jul 2008, Rob Falconer wrote:Global warming : OK, the sky may be getting warmer, but is that why it seems to be continuously melting over us?
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Comment number 95.
At 25th Jul 2008, Rob Falconer wrote:Knife crime :-
Maybe the Government should appoint a really forceful and charismatic "Knife Czar" to have a stab at the problem
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Comment number 96.
At 25th Jul 2008, penny-farthing wrote:Overpopulation: like when you want one item but are forced to buy a package of ten.
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Comment number 97.
At 25th Jul 2008, akajameswood wrote:Gay Anglicans -
Booing the Lambeth Talk
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Comment number 98.
At 25th Jul 2008, penny-farthing wrote:Zimbabwe/Mugabe: Like stepping in dog poo, you know its a stinking mess.
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Comment number 99.
At 25th Jul 2008, ChristianLShea wrote:(With apologies to Jay Leno's writers)
The Iraq War: "Waking up in bed next to a hot woman whose Adam's apple you finally see."
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Comment number 100.
At 25th Jul 2008, C1_Backload wrote:The recession is like over ripe fruit: yucky but it can be sweet in places.
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