[afraidfortherepublic]

Ever sold a house to an engineer? That is a scream!!

I resemble that remark!

My husband has driven a few realtors around the bend, but the funniest thing that he does is at antiques shows. The reason that it is so funny is that he is not trying to be funny. We collect 18th century antique furniture (when we can afford it). More than once I've seen him drop down on the floor at a big charity show, pull out his flashlight and magnifying glass and start examining the underside of a piece of furniture. Usually a crowd starts to gather, and then he proceeds to expound on new wood, old wood, reasonable wear, repairs, etc. The salesman is just left standing there with his mouth open while everyone is ooohing and aahhing and nodding and I stand there trying to melt into the floor.

At the fanciest show in Chicago one year he proclaimed 4 expensive high chests to be "fakes". When I say, proclaimed, I really mean "muttered" his observations into my ear. Then he started questioning the seller very carefully. The seller wouldn't give an inch on the authenticity and age of his wares. My husband had good reasons why these pieces were not 'right'. Sure enough, a year or so later, we read that the dealer had been sued by an unhappy (read cheated) Chicago buyer of these chests of drawers and run out of business. My engineer husband felt vindicated because he had spotted the phony goods first, and none of the dealers and collectors at the show would confirm his observations.

That is one of the big differences between engineers and ordinary people. Engineers have developed their powers of observation of physical properties to a fine art. (They are not as good at observing emotional qualities in the people around them, and that is how they get crosswise with wives and co-workers.)

[mamelukesabre]

That is one of the big differences between engineers and ordinary people. Engineers have developed their powers of observation of physical properties to a fine art. (They are not as good at observing emotional qualities in the people around them, and that is how they get crosswise with wives and co-workers.)

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I am what is known as an EIT. Engineer In Training. I can relate to much of this. I built my own computer. I have rebuilt automobiles. I handload ammo for firearms. I have rebuilt motorcycles. I have rebuilt lawnmowers. I build my own fireworks. My primary mode of transportation (old pickup) has cost me under $500 dollars to date. Not including gasoline and insurance. I have never bought a vehicle on payments, I always write a check for the total price. I keep my house at 55 degrees in the winter.

I correct my doctors when they make incorrect diagnoses(sp). I have argued (sucessfully) with doctors over their interpretations of xrays and MRI's and have seen fractures that they had not. I had a very heated argument with a veternarian(sp) over getting a stray dog spayed. I argued that it was obvious the dog had already been spayed. The vet said the dog had never been spayed. I finally said "fine, cut her open and see for yourself". The vet did and discovered I was correct. The vet later turned me over to a collection agency for refusing to pay for the procedure. I still have not payed. (it's the principle).