Four brothers left home
for college and they became successful doctors and lawyers and
prospered. Some years later, they chatted after having dinner
together. They discussed the gifts that they were able to give to
their elderly mother who lived far away in another city.

The first said I had a big house built for Mama.
The second said I had a hundred thousand dollar theatre built in the house.
The third said I had my Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL600.

The fourth said Listen to this.
“You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she
can't read it anymore because she can't see very well. I met this
priest who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible.
It took twenty priests 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a year
for 20 years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama just has to
name the chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it.

The other brothers were
impressed. After the holidays Mom sent out her Thank You notes.

She wrote Milton, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to
clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.

Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered, so I never use
the Mercedes. The thought was good though. Thanks."

Michael, you give me an expensive theatre with Dolby sound, it could hold 50 people, but
all my friends are dead, I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind. I'll never use it.
Thank you for the gesture just the same. "

Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a
little thought to your gift.
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The chicken was delicious.
Thank you!

When I used the train each day to go to work, many, many years ago, there was a notice that said, "all tickets must be SHEWN at the barrier".

Was it wrong?.

(incidentally, "spell checker" accepts it )

Yes, they seemed to get in to a bit of a mess here in Scotland.

I don't know a lot about the ability of computers but I think the message is keep it simple.

How about we go in to the polling station, enter our national insurance number on the computer, up on the screen comes the candidates for your area, touch the screen in the box with the name of the candidate that you wish to vote for, touch box with finish in it, and go home.

The master computer would gather the totals throughout the day, without having millions dumped on it in one go at midnight, easier to handle, and the result would be shown one second after the polling station closes.

And home to bed.