I know they’re corny, but I love good news/bad news jokes. We laugh at them because of the element of surprise, but also because we can relate to the scenarios in them. They appeal to the cynic in us that just expects the world to operate in that order--good news, then bad news.

A young man phones up his dad at work for a chat.

Dad says, “I’m sorry, son, but I’m up to my neck in work today”

Son says, “But I’ve got some good news and some bad news for you, Dad.”

Dad says, “OK, but since I’ve got no time now, just give me the good news.”

Son says, “Well, the air bag works . . .” (1)

Or a gallery owner says to an artist, “I have some good news and some bad news.”

The artist asks, “What’s the good news?”

Gallery owner says, “The good news is that a woman came in here today asking if th…