February 21, 2005

Semantics

Today in General Chemistry II, Dr. DB was trying to explain something about oxidation-reduction reactions. The word "imminent" was used. After the appearance of "imminent," the following took place:

DB: Class, what does "imminent" mean?
Class: *silence*
DB: Ok, President Bush said that the threat from Iraq was imminent. What did that mean?
Class: *crickets chirping*
Every part of my being: NONEXISTENT! It means nonexistent!
Me, in reality: *sigh*
DB: It meant immediate, right? Right? Yeah.

I am far too polite for my own good.

Posted by Randy at February 21, 2005 12:37 PM | TrackBack