Janet D. Stemwedel (whose nom de blog is Dr. Free-Ride) is an associate professor of philosophy at San Jose State University. Before becoming a philosopher, she earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. Email her at dr.freeride@gmail.com.
On the eve of the elder Free-Ride offspring's birthday, we ate at a restaurant where the kids' entrees were served with Dino Tots. Hilarity ensued.
Elder offspring: Please pass the ketchup. I'm going to make a tar-pit on my plate.
Younger offspring: The stegosaurus is really yummy.
Elder offspring: "Help! I'm trapped in the tar! Oh no, someone's coming to eat me!"
Younger offspring: (Dipping an already-munched dino in ketchup) This one is bleeding.
Dr. Free-Ride: Do reptiles have red blood?
Dr. Free-Ride's better half: Uh huh.
Dr. Free-Ride: It makes sense. I just don't think I've actually ever seen a reptile bleed before.
Elder offspring: All my dinosaurs have been eaten.
Dr. Free-Ride's better half: You've been Bitin' Off Hedz!
Younger offspring: Hey, there's one more hiding in this cave [made of grilled cheese sandwich crusts]. I got you! Chomp!
Dr. Free-Ride's better half: I guess now we know how the dinosaurs went extinct.
Dr. Free-Ride: Small mammals?
Comments
I bet even non-scientist families have pretty good conversations at a place that serves dino tots. :)
Posted by: sciencewoman | July 28, 2006 1:05 PM
Glad my clan is not the only one who talks like this at dinner (when we are not all reading, of course).
Posted by: G Bitch | July 28, 2006 6:10 PM