technology thought for the day

[jenm]

One day, in line at the company cafeteria, Joe says to Mike
behind him, "My elbow hurts like hell. I guess I better see
a doctor." "Listen, you don't have to spend that kind of money",
Mike replies. "There's a diagnostic computer down at Wal-Mart.
Just give it a urine sample and the computer will tell you
what's wrong and what to do about it. It takes ten seconds
and costs ten dollars... a lot cheaper than a doctor." So
Joe deposits a urine sample in a small jar and takes it to
Wal-Mart. He deposits ten dollars, and the computer lights
up and asks for the urine sample. He pours the sample into
the slot and waits. Ten seconds later, the computer ejects
a printout: "You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm
water and avoid heavy activity. It will improve in two weeks."
Thank you for shopping @ Wal-Mart.

That evening while thinking how amazing this new technology was,
Joe began wondering if the computer could be fooled. He mixed
some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, urine samples from
his wife and daughter, and a sperm sample for good measure. Joe
hurries back to Wal-Mart, eager to test this new technology. He
deposits ten dollars, pours in his concoction, and awaits
the results.

The computer prints the following:

1. Your tap water is too hard. Get a water softener. (Aisle 29)
2. Your dog has fleas. He needs a flea collar. (Aisle 7)
3. Your daughter has a cocaine habit. Get her into rehab.
4. Your wife is pregnant. Twins. They aren't yours. Get a lawyer.
5. If you don't stop playing with yourself, your elbow will never get better.
Thank you for shopping @ Wal-Mart