The Ultimate Computer stood at the end of the Ultimate
Computer Company's production line. At which point the guided
tour eventually arrived. The salesman stepped forward to give his
prepared demo.
"This", he said, "is the Ultimate Computer. It
will give an intelligent answer to any question you may care to
ask it".
At which a Clever Dick stepped forward - there is always one -
and spoke into the Ultimate Computer's microphone.
"Where is my father"? he asked.
There was a whirring of wheels and flashing of lights that the
manufacturers always use to impress lay people, and then a little
card popped out.
On it were printed the words "Fishing off Florida".
Clever Dick laughed.
"Actually", he said, "my father is dead"!
It had been a tricky question!!
The salesman, carefully chosen for his ability to think fast on
his feet, immediately replied that he was sorry the answer was
unsatisfactory, but as computers were precise, perhaps he might
care to rephrase his question and try again?
Clever Dick thought, went to the Ultimate Computer and this time
said:
"Where is my mother's husband"?
Again there was a whirring of wheels and a flashing of lights.
And again a little card popped out. Printed on it were the words:
"Dead. But your father is still fishing off Florida".
| Back to my Homepage |