A boy is about to go on his first date,
and is nervous about what to talk
about. He asks his father for advice.

The father replies: "My son, there are
three subjects that always work. These
are food, family, and philosophy."

The boy picks up his date and they go
to a soda fountain. Ice cream sodas in
front of them, they stare at each other
for a long time, as the boy's
nervousness builds.

He remembers his
father's advice, and chooses the first topic. He asks the girl: "Do you like
potato pancakes?"

She says "No," and
the silence returns.

After a few more
uncomfortable minutes, the boy thinks
of his father's suggestion and turns to
the second item on the list. He asks, "Do you have a brother?"

Again, the
girl says "No" and there is silence once
again.

The boy then plays his last card. He
thinks of his father's advice and asks
the girl the following question: "If you had a brother, would he like potato
pancakes?"