His magical message goes in one ear and out the other as we eagerly search for stock tips.

FORBES: Warren Buffett and Cardinal Lamberto: The Two Best Kept Secrets to Success

Needless to say, in some cases I think my testimony went in one ear and out the other.

FORBES: A Laffer Curve Warning about the Economy and Tax Revenue for President Obama and other Class Warriors

People absorb what interests them: if news is too worthy, it goes in one ear and out the other.

ECONOMIST: Here is the news

"When they told me I was paralyzed, it went in one ear and out the next ... because I had to get up and coach, " she said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

At that age when your coaches are telling you stuff like that it goes in one ear and out the other but if you actually listen and take into consideration what they're saying you realise they are right.

BBC: Micah Richards column

This probably helps them to work out from which direction the vibrations are travelling rather as a person might stick a finger first in one ear and then in the other to work out the direction that a sound is coming from.

ECONOMIST: Extra sensory perception

I'll never cease to be impressed with the way they could be riding down, say, Lexington Avenue at the speed of traffic, holding a casual conversation with one ear while listening to the police radio with the other, and spotting a guy out of the corner of their eye about to commit a purse snatching.

WSJ: Back on the Crime Beat

But, despite their group hugs and kisses, they could not match the excitement of the Sugababes, one of whom let out an ear-splitting shriek on reaching the podium to collect their prize for best British dance act.

BBC: Reality check among safe Brits thrills