Good Week: John Bercow, Simon Cowell, World’s Shortest Man, England Women’s Cricket Team

by Greg McDonald

It was a proud week for new House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, as the self-styled "clean-break candidate" defeated 10 other MPs to succeed Michael Martin. Though if this was the moment the Commons cleaned up its act, it sure had a Machiavellian way of doing it, as Bercow proved wildly popular with Labour MPs – seemingly because his own lot can’t stand him.

It was a rich week for pop mogul Simon Cowell as Topshop billionaire Sir Philip Green confirmed talks are afoot to see the pair develop an international TV business to challenge Disney, with Simon owning, producing and starring in the company’s shows. TV’s favourite talent judge has seen some uncomfortable moments down the years, but we think his own run-in with American Idol's Chris Sligh is the most toe-curling.

It was a big week for diminutive Khagendra Thapa Magar, as the Nepalese who stands just 2ft tall stood to smash the record for the World's Shortest Man. The teenager will knock 5in off the Guinness World Record currently held by his comparatively gigantic 2ft 5in Chinese rival He Ping Ping when he turns 18 in October.

It was a glorious week for the England Women’s Cricket Team, as they proved themselves the undisputed best in the world with a stunning victory in the World Twenty20 Final. And in the aftermath of the tragic events in Pakistan in March, when the Sri Lankan cricket tour bus fell prey to a fatal terror attack, it proved a great week for Pakistan, who proved popular winners of the men’s event.

Comments

[The difference]

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he
asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money
from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was
pleased and left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a
'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door..

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his
bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm
doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the
shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank
you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when
he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept
money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor
is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank
you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve
Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then, a Member of Parliament comes in for a haircut , and when he goes
to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from
you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Member of Parliament
is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen
Members of Parliament lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between
the citizens of our country and the Members of Parliament

[Galvin Green]

A great mishmash of news, all sounds quite interesting.