How a cut too far may bring with it a whiff of sporting unhappiness

Some weeks, it’s easier than others to sniff out a Monday Matters subject matter.

But this one has been a breeze, with no shortage of interesting stuff in the air.

Whether it be the glorious aroma of freshly mown grass, or the rather more pungent pong at the opposite end of the odour scale.

Starting at the bottom, as it were, I learned that boffins across the pond are seeking a patent for the remarkable invention of a hi-tech diaper – to use its US name – which alerts mummy or daddy to the fact their little one needs changed.

Such is the super-nappy’s skill it can detect crucial differences in “waste matter” and even contains a transmitter capable of dumping a message into a mobile device to call you to action.

An i-pood alert – as long as the wee wee wi-fi is switched on.

Clever stuff indeed.

But you don’t have to possess a wine connoisseur or whisky master’s nose to realise the time for a change has arrived.

Elevating little one at a stretched-arm angle akin to a young Simba being introduced to the pride in Disney’s Lion King was always enough, I found.

In contrast, the smell of newly-cut grass may be sweeter, but it’s a topic that’s getting right up the noses of Angus parents.

The countdown to the end of the academic year is on and, before they rush headlong into the summer holidays, primary pupils across the district are gearing up for the race to the tape in their school sports.

Ah, those days of ice cream from a tub and guaranteed sunshine in Letham’s Dempster Park.

Unfortunately, Angus parks chiefs have delivered the news that if primary playing fields require an extra cut for sports day then someone’s got to pay.

And if lines have to be marked for the mini-lightning Bolt’s to run between then that will be even more, thank you very much.

Tightly-pulled purse strings are being blamed, but what a pity grass-cutting schedules couldn’t have been juggled a wee bit to avoid the damper it’s put on some events.

It didn’t require super-nappy technology to realise such a move would create a bit of a stink.

Sports day at some schools may not get beyond the start line if no one pays for the grass to be mown.