Times of economic crisis, recession and tightening of belts. Wherever you look, papers and websites are publishing their top ten tips to cut personal spending and stave off bankruptcy.
"Why are we paying for drama classes when they're already female?" I joked to my other half, earning a rapid response Timberland boot up the rear. "Just shut up and take them." Okay then. I resolved that the kitten we're about to buy for the kids should be male, just to redress the domestic imbalance a little.
No sooner had I dropped the girls off and got back into the car than Five Live was announcing a drama all of its own for Red Bull Racing; Mark Webber had broken his leg while taking part in his eponymous charity Challenge in Tasmania.
It was Mario Andretti who said of Chris Amon that the secret of eternal life for the human race was for Amon to go into the undertaking business. The Kiwi earned a justified reputation as the unluckiest man in grand prix racing and it was hugely unjust that he should end his career without a single victory. Webber though, does not seem far behind his fellow Antipodean in the misfortune stakes.