(1694-1768) = That is supposed to be (1694-177eight) When you type 8 with a ) beside it you get 8) Are gremlins taking over TTR starting with the 8'S
If you hit the "Go Advanced" button below the reply box there is an option to disable the smileys for that post.
Each smiley has a BBCode for it. It just so happens that code is eight followed by the right parenthesis for the sunshade smiley. Put a space in between it or use a period after the eight. Or like skellr said click on "Go Advanced" when posting and click the 2nd box under Miscellaneous Options and it will disable smilies.