How Hemlines Predict the Economy: Explanations, Rationalizations, and Theories on Everything - Hardcover

FitzSimons, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1602393117 ISBN 13: 9781602393110

Publisher: Skyhorse, 2009

Synopsis

Why does the dominant partner in any sexual relationship usually sleep on the side of the bed nearest the door? Is there a direct relationship between the length of hemlines and the state of the national economy? Are odd numbers evil? And why do drivers with hats drive twenty miles per hour slower than those without?

These are the big questions of life, and it takes a brave man to tackle them. Author, broadcaster, and columnist Peter FitzSimons is the ideal guide to the weird world of the popular theory, the urban myth, and the land of "did you know...?" His offbeat, insightful, and painfully funny takes on our world will have readers laughing out loud and recounting every last anecdote to friends and family. FitzSimons' knack for witty and wise observations of everything from relationship phenomena to street traffic is sure to leave all American readers wondering why they haven't read him until now. A perfect gift for the man who has everything but answers.

About this title

About the Author

Peter FitzSimons is the bestselling author of seventeen books, a well-respected columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald, and a radio broadcaster. He is an ex-Wallaby, a television presenter, and a regular contributor to the International Herald Tribune and the London Daily Telegraph.

Reviews

Though the title might suggest an economics primer, this goofy, almost quaint compilation examines a long list of "theories, conundrums, observations, quotations, and whatnots," of which the title is just one. In themed chapters (Sports, Relationships, Traffic, Finance, etc.), Fitzsimons fills in the missing history and logic behind familiar locutions like "women will always notice that the bedroom ceiling needs painting before their husbands do," "half the money in your wallet disappears every three days," and the "standard wisdom among taxi drivers" that people wearing hats drive slower. Ideal for browsing, many entries in this volume are good for a quick chuckle, akin to a stand-up comedian's "didja ever notice" schtick. Unfortunately, FitzSimons doesn't go very deep into any of his subjects, leaving curious readers amused but dissatisfied.
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Edition details

• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1602393117
• ISBN 13: 9781602393110
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176