Science Contribution

"Science Contribution"

Even though I was an engineering student
at the University of Maryland, chemistry was
a required course in my day.

The Professor, on the first day of class, asked
everyone to name the most outstanding
contribution chemistry had made to society.

When my turn came, I answered, "Blondes!"

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"A Question Of Stove"

An engineer, a psychologist, and a theologian
were hunting in the wilderness of northern
Canada. Suddenly, the temperature dropped
and a furious snowstorm was upon them.
They came across an isolated cabin, far removed
from any town. The hunters had heard that the
locals in the area were quite hospitable, so they
knocked on the door to ask permission to rest.

No one answered their knocks, but they discovered
the cabin was unlocked and they entered. It was a
simple place ... 2 rooms with a minimum of furniture
and household equipment. Nothing was unusual
about the cabin except the stove. It was large,
pot-bellied, and made of cast-iron. What was
strange about it was its location ... it was suspended
in midair by wires attached to the ceiling beams.

"Fascinating," said the psychologist. "It is obvious
that this lonely trapper, isolated from humanity, has
elevated this stove so that he can curl up under it
and vicariously experience a return to the womb."

"Nonsense!" replied the engineer. "The man is
practicing the laws of thermodynamics. By elevating
his stove, he has discovered a way to distribute
heat more evenly throughout the cabin."

"With all due respect," interrupted the theologian,
"I'm sure that hanging his stove from the ceiling
has religious meaning. Fire LIFTED UP has been
a religious symbol for centuries."

The three debated the point for several hours
without resolving the issue. When the trapper finally
returned, they immediately asked him why he had
hung his heavy pot-bellied stove from the ceiling.

His answer was succinct. "Had plenty of wire, not
much stove pipe."
Received on Tue Apr 4 10:35:14 2006