An interesting side effect of the invasion of Iraq. Workers who throw a sickie no longer claim illness or a dental appointment. Has the removal of Saddam so drastically improved the country's health and dental hygiene?
Unfortunately not, as workers are stil throwing sickies, they just have the opportunity to be more creative with the causes of their absence.
A migraine pales into insignificance beside excuses such as, 'the road has been closed because of a car bomb.'
A case of man flu is not nearly as edgy as clashes between the security forces and the militia right outside the door.
That sudden toothache is easily treatable compared to 'my cousin has been kidnapped/arrested and I need to make contacts to get him released,' you could probably get a whole week off with that one.

All a lot more plausible that saying your grandma has died suddenly, Irish internationals please note.