The time is mid december some year, and Norway has a new ambassador in the
USA since two months. The telephone rings at his office.
- Good morning Mr Ambassador, I'm from the NewYork times, I wonder what
you would like for christmas present.
The new ambassodor isn't stupid. He goes strictly by the rules, so there
won't be any scandal.
- Listen now Mr. I don't want any present. A present would be seen at as
a bribe, and I won't let that happen: said the ambassador.
The next day, the phone rings again.
- Good morning Mr Ambassador, I'm from the NewYork times. I'm still interested
in what you would like to have for christmas present.
The ambassador explains why he can't take any gifts, and the conversation
ends. The next day, the NewYork times journalist rings again. This time the
ambassador is quite upset.
- I thought, I told you already. No presents!
Then he said.
- Ok a fruit bowl would be nice, it really would.
Now he hopes the journalist will leave him. He is also sure, a fruit bowl
is harmless and won't cause any scandal.
Two days later, the NewYork times writes.
WHAT THE AMBASSADORS WANT FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Germany's ambassador wishes a stable economy in the world.
France's ambassador wants continued good east-west relations
Sweden's ambassador wishes an end of the starwation in the third world.
.
.
.
Norway's ambassador wants a fruit bowl.
W H Y C O P S H A T E Y O U <<<<&l <
-if you have to ask get out of the way-
Have you ever been stopped by a traffic cop and, while he was
writing a ticket or giving you a warning, you got the feeling that
he would just love to yank you out of the car, right through the
window, and smash your face into the front fender?...