The following message was sent to me by a friend (thanks Janis), and
I couldn't help but pass it on.  I suspect that a number of you will
find it amusing and alarming all at the same time.  You might even
learn a new fact.  Enjoy!

-dll

<snip long trail of email addresses>

> A freshman at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the
> Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26.  He was attempting to show
> how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science
> and spreading fear of everything in our environment.
> In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding
> strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen
> monoxide."
>
> And for plenty of good reasons, since it can:
> 1. Cause excessive sweating and vomiting
> 2. It is a major component in acid rain
> 3. It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
> 4. Accidental inhalation can kill you
> 5. It contributes to erosion
> 6. It decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes
> 7. It has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients
>
> He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical.
> Forty-three said yes, six were undecided, and only one knew that
> the chemical was *WATER*.  The title of his prize winning project
> was, "How Gullible Are We?"  He feels the conclusion is obvious.

David L. Largent                     "My thoughts are my own,
Information Services Manager          unless I choose to share them!"
The Gilbert Companies, Inc.          Telephone: 765/284-4461
P.O. Box 1032                        Facsimile: 765/288-2079
Muncie, Indiana  47308-1032          Email: [log in to unmask]