"Free" food at a student residence

I just came from "Indian" food night, provided by the organization. Why is it only "free" and not free? Well,... an economist would say you pay a high tax and receive some relief ;). It reminded me of Haider (an austrian politic) giving away 100€ bills on the main square.

Charging high prices (taxes) and giving very little presents back - that's the way it works... or to say it with the Roman words... Bread and circuses :)

So much about the philosophy... you know what the really funny thing was? As all of you might expect, free food attracts many people, especially students. And it's always short...

So when I came in just in time, there was already a line of 15 people in front of me. Seconds later, 10 behind me. When it was my turn, there was almost nothing left (ok it was really little food there ). Consequently it was totally gone shortly after.

15 minutes later, an old lady (also called "long-term-resident") comes in and asks "where is the free food???". Obivous answer: "Nothing left". The next phrase "Why? I'm only 15 minutes late, that's punctual!" received a big laughter and a swiss guy replied "It was free food.. that means punctual is 5 minutes before the time... You need a proper clock!"  - no joke, it was really a Swiss guy!!!