2252. Study the Atlas

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The teacher, Mrs Freud, didn’t think much of the new boy in her class. His name was Freddie. He was tall, skinny, and would spend most of his free time looking at an atlas. He didn’t go outside to play as did all the other boys in the class.

Mrs Freud encouraged Freddie to go outside and get some exercise but he didn’t. He just looked at the atlas. And then Mrs Freud insisted, so he left the atlas open on the Uzbekistan page and went grudgingly outside.

Years later Freddie was older and had one question left to answer in a television quiz show in order to win twenty million dollars.

“What is the capital of Turkmenistan?”

“Tashkent,” said Freddie.

“No,” said the compere, “the answer is Ashgabat.”

“That is the capital of Uzbekistan, not Turkmenistan,” said Freddie.

Freddie was the one with the wires crossed. If he hadn’t been sent outside to play by Mrs Freud he would have won the twenty million. However, he’s not going to make a fuss about it because he’s married to Mrs Freud’s daughter and his six kids adore their grandmother.

22 thoughts on “2252. Study the Atlas”

        1. Bruce Goodman Post author

          Work and Income today wanted verification of my pay for the last 12 months! I handed up a blank piece of paper. They were not amused, but how do you prove something you don’t have! This comment has come about because of your publishing suggestion!

          Liked by 1 person

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          1. observationblogger

            I’m sorry to read that about Work and Income. I imagine they are equivalent to our ATO – tax system in Australia?

            The problem is a lot of your stories aren’t politically correct in this era and your sort of humour could damage the younger and more insensitive. That’s the shitty era we are all accustomed living, which no doubt you’re fully aware of. lol

            Liked by 1 person

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