Interesting article. It really hits close to home. Not everybody appreciates the meeting-turned-open-mic syndrome, and I have to keep the dampers on my mouth most of the time to keep from being "that guy" at work.

The problem is the relevance engine takes over when it finds a good connection and blurts out it's comedic conclusion without any permission from me.

Robert J. Sawyer voiced a similar idea about connections in "The Terminal Experiment." The main character creates several computer simulations of himself, minus physical sensations or any fear of dying. One of the clones, able to think faster and more deeply, realizes that existence is all about finding new connections - which is humor.

Rand, I enjoy your writing, but this is far from my favorite article.

"Bad" language may add spice or a bit of edginess to your tone, but enough is enough. It doesn't add that much, it's not really funny, and it limits the audience with which I am willing to share. (Yeah, that's just me. No need to crucify me, fellow commentors.)