diff --git a/modules/ask.py b/modules/ask.py
index 77999bd7..45c1e1b6 100644
--- a/modules/ask.py
+++ b/modules/ask.py
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 '''
-ask.py - jenni's Ask Module
-Copyright 2011-2013, Michael Yanovich (yanovich.net)
+ask.py - jenni's Ask Module, randomly select from a given list or provide a yes/no response
+
+Copyright 2014-2016, Josh Begleiter (jbegleiter.com)
+Copyright 2011-2016, Michael Yanovich (yanovich.net)
 Licensed under the Eiffel Forum License 2.
 
 More info:
@@ -9,7 +11,8 @@
  * Phenny: http://inamidst.com/phenny/
 '''
 
-import random, time
+import random.choice
+import time
 
 random.seed()
 
@@ -18,24 +21,35 @@ def ask(jenni, input):
 
     choices = input.group(2)
 
-    if choices == None:
+    if choices is None:
         jenni.reply('There is no spoon! Please try a valid question.')
-    elif choices.lower() == 'what is the answer to life, the universe, and everything?':
+        return
+
+    lower_case_choices = choices.lower()
+    if lower_case_choices == 'what is the answer to life, the universe, and everything?':
         ## cf. https://is.gd/2KYchV
         jenni.reply('42')
     else:
-        list_choices = choices.lower().split(' or ')
+        list_choices = []
+
+        # If we think the separator is parallel pipes instead of 'or'
+        if ' || ' in lower_case_choices:
+            list_choices = lower_case_choices.split(' || ')
+        else:
+            list_choices = lower_case_choices.split(' or ')
+
         if len(list_choices) == 1:
             ## if multiple things aren't listed
             ## default to yes/no
-            jenni.reply(random.choice(['yes', 'no']))
+            jenni.reply(choice(['yes', 'no']))
         else:
             ## randomly pick an item if multiple things
             ## are listed
-            jenni.reply((random.choice(list_choices)).encode('utf-8'))
+            jenni.reply((choice(list_choices)).encode('utf-8'))
 ask.commands = ['ask']
 ask.priority = 'low'
-ask.example = '.ask today or tomorrow or next week'
+ask.example = '.ask today || tomorrow || next week'
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     print __doc__.strip()
+