Frequencies2013

Zak:
  Irony: the indirect presentation of a contradiction between an action or expression and the context in which it occurs.  Ironic particle: the physical manifestation of irony existing latent in every atom in the universe.  But my preliminary research suggests that the ironic particles are only activated by the brain when we want something, and so forming a "desire chain"—but only by a certain type of person.

Panel member #1:
  A low-frequency person.

Zak:
  Yes!  My research indicates that only they are susceptible to irony.

Panel member #2:
  Is not irony in the eye of the beholder?

Zak:
  Yes, but the beholder is the individual involved; hence, the "desire chain."  In everyday terms, it's why they never get what they really want.  But, my hypothesis—and the purpose of the research grant I hope you'll give me—is that it is possible to reverse this effect.  The mental changes the physical.  It's all about patterns.  The first stage is to want something, recognise the potential irony, and then to change your desire chain.

Panel member #2:
  Sorry to interrupt, but that sounds suspiciously like your trying to fool fate, and I just don't think that's possible.

Zak:
  Well, I do, sir.