(The scene: Mike, Ryan and I are watching the great bus accident known as the MTV Video Music Awards. Alicia Keys is about to perform with a “surprise special guest.”)

Mike: Maybe it’s Lauryn Hill.
Ernie: I bet you it’s going to be Stevie Wonder.
Ryan: Isn’t he dead?
Ernie: … uhm, aren’t you thinking Ray Charles?
Ryan: Yeah. Didn’t he die too?
Mike: …
Ernie: I think there’s a rule that only one blind black guy can die at a time.

(The spotlight shifts to the secret guest artist.)

Mike: Hey, you were right – it’s Stevie Wonder.
Ryan: So he’s not dead after all.