This is a great joke, but most important, it is a joke that highlights a human frailty, and how to overcome it.

I think Great jokes not only make us feel good, but it also makes us think…. in this case what did the old man do so that he would accomplish his objectives?

Comedy Central – The Wise Old Man

A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment. Then a new school year began. The very next afternoon three young boys, full of youthful, after-school enthusiasm, came down his street, beating merrily on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some action….

This is supposedly the line that the communist Party of China has taken over its treatment of Gays.

There was a time when homosexuality was branded a mental illness, and sodomy was a crime.  But not anymore.  As China joined the modernization program, previous intolerances have been slowly discarded.

In many issues, the official line is the Triple No - We don’t approve, we don’t disapprove, we don’t promote.

For instance, many gay events are discreetly allowed as long as they don’t promote or make noise.

I started to think that in our own offices, this may be something we can do — there are instances, like smoking in which we may want to adopt a holier than thou attitude and actively work and encourage people not to do.  Or maybe we can discreetly do it, and the more noble gesture is the triple No — WE don’t approve, and we also don’t disapprove.  We don’t allow you to promote either.

We don’t think people should smoke, but that being said, you are a mature individual, and you best make the decision that suits your objectives and your lifestyle.

Or maybe that applies to people who engage in romance or date after office hours.  What other activities do you think we should apply Triple NO in the workplace?  or in the house?