A continuation of last night's science conversation

David: When I was a kid, I experimented with physics and chemistry.

Calvin: How did you do that, Dad?

D: Well, my friends and I would work in my garage and make hydrogen and fill a balloon with it. Then we'd tie a string around it, take it outside, and let it go. But as we let it go, we'd set the string on fire. Once the string burned through, the balloon would explode.

C: That is so cool! I want to do that. And how was that chemistry AND physics?

D: Well, the creation of hydrogen was chemistry, and the explosion was physics.

Me: Did your mother know you were conducting these "experiments"?

D: Um ....

Me: Calvin, you are not allowed to do that. I do not want my house or garage to be accidentally blown up.

D: Your mother's right. You shouldn't do that without adult supervision.

C: Would we consider you an adult in this situation, Dad?

Inquiring minds want to know

I just endured another family dinner where the conversation around the table once again devolved to science topics. During the course of the evening they covered everything from the difference between chemistry and physics (life sciences being fairly obvious) to the differences between theoretical and particle physics, the six kinds of quarks, and how to create a really great explosion in your own front yard.

Me: I'm getting really bored. Can I request that at least one conversation in ten pertain to literature or history? We can talk about books or perhaps have a lively discussion on the implications of the Inquisition.

Calvin:  Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

David:  Fetch the comfy chair! There, are you happy?

Me:  Sigh.