John's Jokes

John von Neumann Seen by his Brother by Nicholas A. von Neuman.

Telephone rings early morning in big law office: "Shapiro, Shapiro, Shapiro, Shapiro & Shapiro. " "May I speak to Mr. Shapiro. " "I'm sorry, Mr. Shapiro is in conference and cannot be disturbed. " "Then may I speak to Mr. Shapiro." "I'm sorry, but Mr. Shapiro is out of town and will not be back for another week. " "Then may I speak to Mr. Shapiro." "I'm sorry but it is Mr. Shapiro with whom Mr. Shapiro is in conference and cannot be disturbed either. " "Then may I speak to Mr. Shapiro. " "I'm sorry, but Mr. Shapiro is in court today and will not return until late afternoon. " "Ah well, then let me speak to Mr. Shapiro. " "This is Mr. Shapiro speaking. What can I do for you?" (Context: criticism of law office pomposity.)