<i>Joel wrote: "Because computers don't have a sense of humor." </i> <p>I strongly disagree. <p>For the past thirty years computers have been placing banana peels, and stringed wallets on the burlesque stage of business. <p>One should not worry about laughing at computers. Take a really good look. . . . . . <br><br><small>They are laughing at <u><b>you</u></b>!!</small> <p>Dave

<blockquote><tt>They are laughing at you!! </tt></blockquote><p>Oh great; that's just what a self-demeaning paranoid wants to hear. I always knew that computers were frustrating, I just didn't know that they were doing it intentionally to, first, frustrate and, then, laugh at me.

Reminds me of Star Trek - TNG episode "Deja Q" where Q is stripped of his divinity and made human. Surrounded by his enemies who now see their opportunity to get even with him, Q finds Mr. Data (an android) as the only one sympathic to him and saves him. After being ominipotent again, Q announces he will give one wish to everyone. Mr. Data thinks Q is going to make him human and says no thanks. However what Q gives is a gift of laughter. Mr. Data feels happy emotions and laughs, an experience he always wished but would not imagine having it. <p>So maybe Q paid a visit in real life and gave the gift of laughter to computers. Don't know if it was local and temporary or would it spread and last long. You never know what Q is upto. He is just like Mr. MXYZPTLK of Superman comic book (not smallville).

Are you a fan of old movies? <p>If so, you may want to check out "Sullivan's Travels" written and directed by Preston Sturges. <p>If I tell you the theme, then I give away the ending, so just get some popcorn and enjoy the movie. <p>Dave

wow! a reference to a bald-headed omnipotent dwarf! <p>-sarge

<blockquote><tt>wow! a reference to a bald-headed omnipotent dwarf! </tt></blockquote><p>A little political correctness, please. That should read, "wow. a reference to a follicularly-challenged, power-gifted, little person!"

I was reminded of an Isaac Asimov short story called "Jokester", wherein the protagonist uses a supercomputer to determine the origin of humor. You'll have to read it for the twist.

So if Cincinati is about a decade behind is Toronto a year ahead? You mentioned an article from August 2, 2008, in Chicago we are only in 2007?

<blockquote><tt>So if Cincinati is about a decade behind is Toronto a year ahead? You mentioned an article from August 2, 2008, in Chicago we are only in 2007? </tt></blockquote><p>Toronto is a city of the future. Ooops! Obviously a typo on my part. Victoria, if you're lurking here, please correct it. I accept full blame for the mistake.

Just blame it on your computer's sense of humor! <p>Joel, I think that was your best column to date...(not counting the ones I didn't get to read...)

<blockquote><tt>Just blame it on your computer's sense of humor! </tt></blockquote><p>Blame it on my computer. Great idea. Why didn't I think of that? In fact, I hereby declare that every mistake I've ever made and ever will make was and will be entirely my computer's fault. Now, let's just hope that they don't teach computers to hold a grudge. <p><blockquote><tt>Joel, I think that was your best column to date. </tt></blockquote><p>Aw, shucks thanks ... I think. <grin>What's the matter, you didn't like my previous columns?</grin> <p><blockquote><tt>not counting the ones I didn't get to read... </tt></blockquote><p>Not that I'm trying to be pushy or anything, but the first year's worth of my rants is available in book form. The book's title is "BYTE-ing Satire: A light-hearted poke in technology's eye." The ISBN is 158347059X. <p>You can buy it at the MC Press online bookstore (<a href="http://mc-store.com/5076.html">http://mc-store.com/5076.html</a>) or it's also available in the major online bookstores like amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com in the US, Amazon.ca and chapters.indigo.ca in Canada, and other Amazons and a few other online stores in other countries. But, like I said, not that I'm pushing it or anything. Heaven forbid.

Actually, the real reason why I wanted to immediately accept full blame is that MC Press has a truly fantastic editor who beats herself mercilessly whenever even the smallest of mistakes slips through into the publication. I wanted to try to prevent her self-torture. <p>I wrote it. I accept blame.

Hmm. So someone is old enough to remember the original MXYZPTLK and can say KLTPZYXM to take us back to the 5th dimension! :) Now the 60's and 70' are "Yesterday once more" (Karen Carpenter). <p>Mr. MXYZPTLK did appear in TV serial Smallville but that was the first disappointment I had about that serial. That humor-less, teenaged, small time crook was no comparison to sadistic, omnipotent, imp from Superman comic book.

This is a discussion about <B>Laughing with, Not at, Computers</b>.<p align='center'><a href=http://www.mcpressonline.com/mc? This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it @.6b50a054>Click here for the article</a>.</p>

"<i>Just blame it on your computer's sense of humor!</i>" <p>I would blame it on Q. I am sure it paid a visit to real life and granted Joel's computer its long last wish, some of his master's sense of humor. The question is, what did Joel's computer did to Q to get this favor?