The new new math

This is fun:

The Provincial Government today announced plans to fund up to $320,000 (and more if required) for a Newfoundland and Labrador-based observational study of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who have chosen to undergo the experimental liberation procedure proposed by Dr. P. Zamboni.

Now, the "up to" trick is as old as the hills. Saying that you are going to spend "up to $20.00" on lunch does not mean you are buying a $20.00 lunch. You could grab an O Henry bar and a litre of skim milk, and pocket the substantial difference.

(Cf. "as early as".)

But this one is interesting. The Provincial Government (what? not Williams Government?) will spend "up to $320,000". They could spend less.

Or they could spend "more if required".

In other words: Provincial Government will spend a completely random amount of money. But you don't read that in the press release... at least not on its face.