"Three a Letter... Four Something Better"

Three days ago, Brigadier General Smith, Commander of the Army's Fifth Signal Command stopped by the NTM-A/CSTC-A CJ6; and we briefed him on our top priorities as a multinational handful of officers from General McChrystal's staff at International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) sat around the table.  As General Smith spoke, his aide, and Army 1stLt, sneezed.  After the first sneeze, the General, knowing his aide, said, "They always come three in rapid succession".  Sure enough... three quick sneezes.  The General then looked at the Canadian Lieutenant Colonel and said, "How many times do Canadian's sneeze?"  To which, the LtCol replied with a straight face as if the General had asked him to recite his fifth general order, "We're only allowed two, sir."  "How about the Poles?", asked the General to the Polish Major sitting behind me.  There was a noticeable pause, and the Canadian jumped in again, "Poles don't sneeze, sir."  Finally, the General turned to the Brittish Leftenant Colonel... without pause, the Colonel mused as if it were something he had been taught from first grade, "One a wish; two a kiss; three a letter; four something better."  The room erupted with laughter. The whole thing played out as if it were scripted and rehearsed.