I was at a class and as part of the orientation we each were told to ask some questions one other student. I was interviewing, I dunno, Kelvin, who mentioned that he was a history buff. This interested me since I’m a bit of a history buff too. I asked him which history he enjoyed.

Kelvin said “Presidential.”

A short while later I recited my findings to the class. We’d already heard a few of these so I figured that I’d embellish it a bit. After mentioning Kelvin’s interest in presidential history I suggested that the class feel free to ask Kelvin about Alec Van Buren’s dogs.

That got a round of laughter. But then folks started asking “Why? What about his dogs?” This wasn’t going where I expected but at least it was Kelvin’s problem. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure where I expected it to go.

I got curious later and found that

1. Van Buren’s first name was Martin, not Alec and
2. he didn’t have any dogs but was given a couple of tiger cubs.

Doesn’t matter though. I’d do this again.