A visitor from out of town ventured into the local tavern and there found a circle of friends greatly enjoying themselves. The newcomer watched and listened fro

A visitor from out of town ventured into the local tavern and there found a circle of friends greatly enjoying themselves. The newcomer watched and listened from a spot just inside the tavern's door. He saw someone stand and speak briefly, then heard the throng roar its approval. He saw another fellow, taking his turn, rise and utter a few syllables. Again, those gathered returned a chorus of laughter. The stranger moved closer to the center to hear better. "34!" he heard, and laughter. "29!" The regulars laughed again. He nudged the man closest to him and asked, "What's going on?" "We've all known one another forever. We like to entertain ourselves with stories, and always the same stories. Long ago, we began laughing before the teller could complete the punch line. Later, we dispensed with the middle parts too. A few words to set up the story were enough to refresh our memories. Most recently, we dropped even the introductions and began identifying the stories just by numbers." "May I try?" the newcomer asked. "42!" Silence fell over the crowd. "What's the matter? Isn't 42 a funny one?" "42 is hilarious. But pal, you don't know how to tell a story." http://people.cornellcollege.edu/ltabak/articles/remembrance.html http://people.cornellcollege.edu/ltabak/articles/remembrance...