But when I use a word processing program to create an e-mail message, the smart quotes come out as gibberish. I think word processing programs and e-mail packages should be smart enough to convert these typographic niceties. You can quote me on that. I was the dummy. I'd be a millionaire now if I had written it.
Computers are just plain stupid.
When my new car won't start, I call the auto club and the tow truck driver either starts it or tows it to someone who can repair it. The car is rarely in the shop for more than a day or two. Somehow, he makes it work. Sadly, that doesn't always happen when my PC is on the fritz. Either there's no number to call, or if there is one, I wind up on hold, get a busy signal, or sit around for days waiting for technicians to call me back.