Posted: Mar 16, 2008, 4:55 AM CST
One day, in line at the company cafeteria, Joe says to Mike behind him,
"My elbow hurts like hell. I guess I'd better see a doctor."
"Listen, you don't have to spend that kind of money," Mike replies.
"There's a diagnostic computer down at the new 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, which is a whole
lot cheaper than a doctor!"
So, Joe deposits a urine sample in a small jar and takes it to Wal-Mart.
He deposits his 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. So, he mixes together
some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, urine samples from his wife
and daughter, and his own sperm sample for good measure.
Joe hurries back to Wal-Mart, eager to check the results. He deposits
the 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 9)
2. Your dog has ringworm. Bathe him with antifungal shampoo. (Aisle 7)
3. Your daughter has a cocaine habit. Get her into rehab.
4. Your wife is pregnant with twins and they aren't yours. Get a lawyer.
5. And if you don't stop playing with yourself, your elbow will never
get
better!