6 - An Income Policy for Mediocria

Summary

The summer of 20xy promised to be just as difficult as the previous summers for university students seeking employment. Heather, Sasha, and Li had approached hundreds of local businesses to attempt to convince them that they could benefit from the services of Math Iz Us. But replies were slow in coming, and the three students were beginning to be afraid that they would have to dissolve their consulting firm and accept jobs waiting tables at the campus restaurant instead.

As a last resort, Heather had suggested to the group that they place an ad in The Campus Clarion. So in the final week of March, next to the inquiries for lost wallets, parking lot passes, and tutoring requests, the following appeared:

Attractive Models Available Do you have a complex financial or engineering problem that cries out for mathematical analysis? If so, look no further! Math Iz Us can provide you with the mathematical model that will let you solve your difficulties. Telephone xxx-yyzz.

Three days went by. Then late in the evening Heather received a phone call.

“Is this Math Iz Us? Yes? Good. I saw your ad. My government needs the sort of assistance that you advertise, but as we are a very poor nation, we cannot afford the services of the usual high-priced consultants. However, I used to play pool at the Lizard Room, and I followed your contributions to the prosecution's case against Luigi. I was very impressed.