14th October 2008

In studying the French over the last few years I've noticed how insular they are, even worse than the Japanese and that they are generally impatient with foreigners - especially with us! But at least we English don't seem to be the butt of their few jokes, these being reserved for the Swiss and the Belgians, whom they poke fun at due to probable jealousy over their superior cultural heritage and more refined French accents. It's strange how we all need someone else to make fun of. I think I heard that the Americans use those in West Virginia for some reason? Certainly the red-necks anyway. But in all the world, I love the English approach to humour the most: self-deprecating irony at its best. Take a look at this:

Now you’re 60:

No one expects you to run - anywhere.
People call at 8pm and ask, Did I wake you?
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
Things you buy now won't wear out.
You can eat supper at 4pm.
You can live without sex but not your glasses.
You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
You sing along with elevator music.
Your eyes won't get much worse.
Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the weather report.
Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
You can't remember who gave you this list,
or who you sent it to, so prepare to be told a few times, that you've sent this before.

Did you laugh? You must be as old as me, then!