Why Rico does what he does

(Rico knows he has mentioned this before, but it bears repeating.)
Rico says he frequently, and quite without authorization, inserts serial commas into the text of articles that he posts, and doesn't give a damn about the intentions of the authors or copyright infringement.
Why?
Rico says he's glad you asked.
Because of an editorial notation to a book dedication provided to him (many years ago when he worked for Apple Computer in California) by his friend Rani Cochran. You'll note the distinction between the first version, without serial commas, and the second one with them:

The author wishes to thank her parents, Ayn Rand and God.

The author wishes to thank her parents, Ayn Rand, and God.

Rico says one little comma, one huge difference in meaning...