And I choke on My Reply

Yesterday, I was chatting with a New Blipper WeeL, and she mentioned that her computer was going slow and we knew the reason for that!

How we laughed at that - WeeL and I worked together for a short while 10 years ago... , and way back then I told her the main reason for computer failure was nylon underwear.

That story stems from a further 10 years back... I was working as a Project Secretary for a large Engineering company; part of my job was copying the multitude of documents required for triple signature. Every time I went to the photocopier, I would load it up, click the necessary buttons, and press go. There would be a bang, and the photocopier would fail to respond.

After several weeks, I was asked to be present when the Copier Engineer came as it only ever failed when I was present. I did my usual, "Bang", and the Copier Engineer handed me a little earthing band and said, "you have to wear this, or take your knickers off".

I looked at him horrified. "Nylon Knickers", he said, "the most common cause of static malfunction; it's up to you, earth yourself, or get your pants off".

I have carried this with me every since. In this new office 20 years down the line, it's still the main reason for computer failure, although, due to my failing brain, I pronounced one afternoon, "It's caused by my Polystyrene Pants", to much hilarity.

So now, when we have a computer outage, and the polystyrene pants are to blame. I have to walk round the office, wide legged, and squeaking accordingly.

:-)