DEPARTMENTS

OCTOBER 2009 – NO. 36

One hundred-watt incandescent light bulbs, banned by the European Union in favor of more energy-saving fluorescents. Ditto for samurai swords, banned in Ireland in an effort to reduce creeping crime rates — by samurai. Five hundred million dollars of the International Monetary Fund's money, in a loan to Zimbabwe. Common courtesy, when, days after the loan, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe condemns "bloody whites" for meddling in his country's affairs. Ten Warhol paintings, stolen from a private residence in Los Angeles. One Magritte painting, stolen from a museum in Brussels. Actor Patrick Swayze, 57. The US Open, by Roger Federer to Juan Martin Del Potro, and by Caroline Wozniacki to new mother Kim Clijsters. Roman Polanski's longstanding run from the law, after being arrested in Zurich on a 31-year old US warrant. The path of Obamacare, diverted once again, this time by a shout of "You lie!" from US Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) during the President's speech to Congress. Ten thousand dollars of Serena Williams' money, her penalty for an expletive-laced tirade at a line judge. Several hours of life, lost by those in attendance at the UN during Libyan President Muammar al-Gaddafi's rambling address.

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