Column 1
“TEN revolting officers executed”. Sometimes it pays to take a step backwards and have one last look before pressing the button to start the presses rolling. But newsrooms work under high pressure and few of the world’s dailies could boast a clean record when it comes to strange and often hilarious headlines …
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GOOD morning, fellow travellers. A regular Column reader stumbled across a slim volume of classic headline blunders; we’re sharing a few of them with you today. In the light of recent Column content “Crematorium plans put on back burner” has its own special edge, as does “Cemetery faces grave problems over space”.
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ANSWERS to where to put the subject in a headline and the controversial use of hyphens are both crucial if you want to avoid “Police help dog bite victim”. “Red tape holds up new bridge” and “Man shoots neighbour with machete” both have their own twisted logic, while “Man denies committing suicide” is at the very least, reassuring.
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“TEEN pregnancy drops significantly after 25” will give hope to frazzled parents and radio broadcasters should take note that a “Nude scene can be done tastefully on radio”. As for those readers renting flats and houses – it is essential to keep owners informed in order to avoid headlines such as “Tenant fails to give notice before dying”.
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OUR friends down Ok Tedi way might like to consider this headline: “Mine strike ballet to go ahead” although the supply of tutus might prove a problem. As for “Father of ten shot dead: Mistaken for rabbit” – well, least said, soonest mended. And there’s not much we can add to “Community spokesman wants tougher death penalty”.
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WHEN poking fun at others within the same industry, it’s always wise to admit to the odd blunder ourselves: we found our recent coverage of graduation at Divine Word quirkily enhanced by reference to the new multi- million kina wing that reportedly houses the “Faculty of Flexible Leaning”.
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QUIZZERS! Those with us yesterday will know that the 2008 Quiz season is about to get under way; the coming Tuesday signals lift-off. Watch your Column this week for extra details. Cheers!

– Dee Nesenolis
Editorial