And Finally

Two words which have become the traditional introduction to that offbeat item at the end of the news. It is harmless, probably fun, and sadly sometimes involves water-skiing dogs. But this is not a modern phenomenon, for on April 3rd 1871 the Staffordshire Sentinel produced this gem - although in 1871 it was considered a very serious bit of reporting.

To the delight of Mr George Bridgwood of the Green, Stafford came the discovery of a mushroom some 12.1/2 inches in circumference. It was very well developed and grew in a spot not sheltered from the weather and growing in the asparagus beds.

You couldn't make it up - unlike the words 'mushroom' and 'asparagus', the etymology of neither word has ever been understood.