Ficlets

Not that Ficleteers need much in the way of inspiration for comedy, but I think this could be the set-up for some very amusing bits:

The hordes of Italians devoted to their mammas are to be offered money to leave home, the government has stated.

Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, the finance minister, said it was vital to get reluctant Italians to fly the nest and become more independent.

Currently, eight out of 10 Italians aged under 30 still live at home, and the average age for moving out is 36. Italian men make up the bulk of those staying at home, at around 67 per cent, and a mocking phrase has even been coined to describe them: “Mammoni” or “Big Mummy’s boys”.

Now, speaking as a Slacker-American, I find this fact utterly insane. No offense to mom, but, you know, I was so out of there as soon as it became feasible. I like my mom. I even love my mom. But, no. Sooner or later – and hopefully sooner – it’s time to go.

Nevertheless, I like the idea of a cash settlement to get some adult kid out of the basement. Maybe I should have held out.