Weird and wacky world

The computer that writes sexist jokesA computer that writes sexist jokes has been developed by scientists. The machine, which has been created by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, was designed to generate its own witty one-liners following a simple set of rules. The system was programmed to exploit one of the most successful and popular components of comedy, where a statement is followed up with a surprising comment. Some comedians, such as Tommy Cooper and Les Dawson, used this style with great affect. However, like some of its human predecessors, the computerised comedian has developed a rather politically incorrect approach to humour – the jokes it produces can be rather sexist. Others veer more into the surreal rather than the genuinely funny. Couple sue police for armed raid over TV remoteA couple are suing police after armed officers raided their home following reports of a man holding a gun which turned out to be a TV remote control. Michelle Malone, 46, and Keith Abrahams, 44, were arrested at gunpoint in the middle of the night and bundled into the back of a police van. They were then locked in a cell where they were quizzed by detectives for four hours before being released without charge. Police responded to reports of a man seen holding a weapon in the bedroom on June 24 by a paramedic who had attended the address after Malone suffered a panic attack. But her condition worsened when 18 officers entered their flat in Hereford at 1am the next morning. The pair said they were surrounded by 10 armed officers wearing body armour, eight uniformed police as well as a dog handler.