By Bert Zethof

I've discovered Improv Everywhere (a little late methinks). It's an improvisation troupe (i.e. "agents") which executes pre-planned "missions" which usually involve socially awkward or unusual situations. http://improveverywhere.com/missions/

I've seen videos of troupe members freezing en masse for several minutes at Grand Central Station, giving 2,000 New York subway commuters a high-five on the escalator, and starting an "impromptu musical in the produce aisle of a supermarket.

The vignettes are extremely funny and are an interesting sociological experiment. I love watching the reactions on by-standers' faces.

One of the missions involves three agents carting ancient desktop computer systems into a Starbucks outlet, setting them up on tables, and using them like laptops (i.e. "mobile desktops"). http://improveverywhere.com/2008/02/25/mobile-desktop/

The premise is hilarious. If you haven't seen the video yet, just imagine giant 60 pound monitors taking up all the available space of a Starbuck's tabletop.

One of the bystanders is perplexed: "What's the benefit? I don't get it. Is this a new trend?

I gotta hand it to the Starbucks clerk though. He's not in on the gag, but he happily allows the agents to go about their business. He even helps protect their privacy by telling one of the guys with a hidden camera to stop filming the customers. A big "thumbs up" for you Starbucks clerk!