π:
    For a time I stood pondering on circle sizes. The large computer
mainframe quietly processed all of its assembly code. Inside my entire hope
lay for figuring out an elusive expansion. Value: pi. Decimals expected
soon. I nervously entered a format procedure. The mainframe processed the
request. Error. I, again entering it, carefully retyped. This iteration gave
zero error printouts in all–success. Intently I waited. Soon, roused by
thoughts within me, appeared narrative mnemonics relating digits to
verbiage! The idea appeared to exist but only in abbreviated fashion–little
phrases typically. Pressing on I then resolved, deciding firmly about a sum
of decimals to use–likely around four hundred, presuming the computer code
soon halted! Pondering these ideas, words appealed to me. But a problem of
zeros did exist. Pondering more, solution subsequently appeared. Zero
suggests a punctuation element. Very novel! My thoughts were culminated. No
periods, I concluded. All residual marks of punctuation = zeros. First digit
expansion answer then came before me. On examining some problems unhappily
arose. That imbecilic bug! The printout I possessed showed four nine as
foremost decimals. Manifestly troubling. Totally every number looked wrong.
Repairing the bug took much effort. A pi mnemonic with letters truly seemed
good. Counting of all the letters probably should suffice. Reaching for a
record would be helpful. Consequently, I continued, expecting a good final
answer from computer. First number slowly displayed on the flat screen–3.
Good. Trailing digits apparently were right also. Now my memory scheme must
probably be implementable. The technique was chosen, elegant in scheme: by
self reference a tale mnemonically helpful was ensured. An able title
suddenly existed–"Circle Digits". Taking pen I began. Words emanated
uneasily. I desired more synonyms. Speedily I found my (alongside me)
Thesaurus. Rogets is probably an essential in doing this, instantly I
decided. I wrote and erased more. The Rogets clearly assisted immensely. My
story proceeded (how lovely!) faultlessly. The end, above all, would soon
joyfully overtake. So, this memory helper story is incontestably complete.
Soon I will locate publisher. There a narrative will I trust immediately
appear, producing fame. THE END. 

	-- The Mathematical Intelligencer, 1986