100. Rocket Science
usedbooks on Oct. 3, 2010
This is purely conjecture, but I believe that this is a common exchange among rocket scientists. ;) I did meet a rocket scientist once (actually twice). His name is Homer Hickam. He wrote an autobiographical book called Rocket Boys (also published under the anagram title October Sky) about growing up in rural, coal country WV and his adventures with, well, rockets. I met him the first time at a conference for WV science teachers where he was a guest of honor and signed copies of his book. I saw him again at my grad school graduation ceremony when he was awarded an honorary degree. (It's a good book, btw. The movie's okay too, but, like all movies, not comparable to the book. ;) )
Anyway, I know pretty much nothing about rocketry. My dad knows tons, since he teaches engineering, physics, and is qualified to teach ground school for pilots. XD I'll play with the toys and hope they go high and far, but I don't want to sit down and figure out the equations. Heh.
Canuovea at 8:34PM, Oct. 6, 2010
Almost the exact same lines would work for heart/brain surgery. "I think you have it backwards" is not something you want to hear during ANY surgery. In fact, so long as they aren't working on an ICBM, it's probably worse to hear it in surgery than when working on a rocket.
Nicotine at 5:14PM, Oct. 4, 2010
Lol xD Is a "it doesn't take brain surgery" comic coming up?? :D
ayesinback at 3:39PM, Oct. 4, 2010
I love this strip. And actually, once when an engineer was complaining about how stupid his co-workers were, i quipped "well, it's not like their rocket scientists" when in fact, it's exactly like what they were.
meemjar at 2:26PM, Oct. 4, 2010
Your sense of humor is really 'out to launch'.
smkinoshita at 10:19AM, Oct. 4, 2010
I wonder what rocket scientists actually think about that phrase, now that I think about it.
Abel Lynch at 8:41AM, Oct. 4, 2010
That's genius.
Anubis at 7:10AM, Oct. 4, 2010
I really should get hold of the maths for that just for fun
BarryCorbett at 5:34AM, Oct. 4, 2010
Great! I always wondered about that .
AzuJOD at 2:20AM, Oct. 4, 2010
I bet brain surgeons make the same joke.
plymayer at 12:44AM, Oct. 4, 2010
I used to work with some folks that did things with telemetry. They had a sign on the wall that said, "It is rocket science".
usedbooks at 11:22PM, Oct. 3, 2010
Heh. I met him in a "sign my book" kind of way. I did get to hear him speak, and he's a very good speaker (and a good writer too). I was moved by his presence and his passion. He's definitely an inspiring guy. The sad thing is, I read the book as an assignment not a choice. It was a great read, and I'm glad it was assigned. I practically never read non-fiction. There's another non-fiction I want to read sometime about Henrietta Lacks. I have taken an interest in her story since I found out her hometown was where I work (Clover, VA).
Poki_rat at 11:16PM, Oct. 3, 2010
You actually met him? Lucky.
ghostrunner at 10:33PM, Oct. 3, 2010
ive launched a few rockets myself. one with crushed oreos. everyone has a payload they need to jetison :D