Monday 15 November 2010

Pure Olsonomics

French gave us a fine display of high school economics today in the staffroom  He mentioned that he had overheard a student who had a little financial operation going.  The students would cut a deck of cards in half on the bandsaw.  Then he would sell the cut cards for two bucks a pop as tickets.  This student would collect at least $104 dollars - more if he sold the jokers.  At the end of the day on Friday he'd pull a card out of a hat and give the winner, who held the matching half, a 20 ounce bottle of booze that he had stashed in his locker.

Solid economics - the kid would clear around $80 - depending on sales.  Underagers would gladly gamble two bucks for the chance to win some hard to come by liquor.

All the teachers that heard French tell this story reacted in disgust and proclaimed the fall of humanity.  One teacher even said: "I weep for the future".

The bell rung and they all left.  I burst out laughing.

French said: "Good on yah...keeping a straight face".

This story of the card cutting booze supplier was fully biographical in nature.  French pulled this deal whenever he was low on cash in his high school days.

5 comments:

Fisheye Lens said...

A glimpse into the magnificent moral economy of Bill French.

Human Paradox said...

Ha ha. Good show. I love how the teachers think the sky is falling when a student figures out how to capitalize off others. Paradoxically, isn't that what society teaches us? That kid's just starting early.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Hee hee. Was he, by chance, the Economics/Business/Finance teacher? Or maybe the Future Employment Opportunities mentor? Funny story! I just found you over here.

The Square Corner said...

French could do it all. Liked this.

Matt McKechnie said...

Oh Bill French. We need more of him in this world. I've missed so much. Thanks for posting lots for me to read Olliver.