DAVID ADAMS writes about the odder side of life…
• The cost of buying all the gifts mentioned in the Christmas carol, The 12 Days of Christmas, has largely remained steady over the past year. Only three of the 12 items mentioned rose in price over the past year – “one partridge in a pear tree” (up 3.5 per cent to $US214.99), “two turtle doves” (up 11.5 per cent to $US290) and 10 “lords-a-leaping” (up three per cent to $US5,508.70). The recently released 32nd annual PNC Wealth Management Christmas Price Index shows that overall, the 12 gifts would cost $US34,130.99 to buy in the US, an increase of only 0.6 per cent or $198 on last year’s figure and the lowest growth rate in six years. The total cost of all 364 gifts mentioned in the song’s many repeats came in at $US155,407, almost $US900 more than last year. The most expensive item on the list is “seven swans-a-swimming”, priced at $US13,125.
• Ever wanted to own your own town? A “ghost town” in the US state of South Dakota is again up for sale with a price tag of just $US250,000. The town of Swett, about 160 kilometres south of Rapid City, covers about 2.5 hectares and reportedly features a three bedroom house, tavern and a former tyre shop. Once boasting a population of some 40 residents, it last went on the market in mid last year and was initially advertised for $US399,000.
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• An artist has created a 24,000 square metre image of Jesus Christ in a field in Italy. Artist Dario Gambarin reportedly used a tractor fitted with a plough and harrow to create the image, entitled Suffering Christ, near the town of Verona to mark the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Mercy event. Previous works by the artists have featured everyone from US President Barack Obama to Nelson Mandela and Pope Benedict XVI.
