Loose cannons

The way of all treats

"Twenty-five years ago, eating at McDonald's was a special treat. Now it's just part of the furniture." — Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton.

Eat the furniture: it's healthier

"[McDonald's] gives you lots of salt, sugar and fat, appealing to the palate of a six-year-old. People are eating less and getting fatter." — Professor Dale Atrens, reader in psychology at Sydney University.

All in a day's work

"Everyone has been charged with that sort of thing." — A Roman unimpressed by the opening of the corruption trial of Italian recent prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, quoted in the January 17 Financial Review.

Nonsense

"The no-nonsense, pragmatic nature of the modern National Party." — What is expressed, according to National leader Tim Fischer, by the Nationals' new campaign slogan, "This time, make a real difference — vote National".

Who would have thought it?

"One of the State's most senior police officers has strongly criticised the embattled NSW Police Service by revealing that the service never had the will or commitment to deal with corruption." — Sydney Morning Herald, January 19.

Family business

"The queen has already made generous provisions to the duchess of York, but the management of her finances is her responsibility." — A Buckingham Palace spokesperson, denying reports that the queen would provide financial help to Sarah Ferguson, reported to have run up a &163;1 million overdraft since separating from Prince Andrew.

Standards

"Diana has to start thinking backwards about what she needs to keep her standard of living. And she needs &163;1.35 million a year after taxes if she is going to have any kind of standard of living." — A New York divorce lawyer, speculating on a divorce of the prince and princess of Wales.

Dissenting report

"The motor car is a killing machine. You are killing each other and you are killing the next generation." — A naked woman, disrupting a service in Coventry cathedral celebrating 100 years of the motor car."