A stranger was seated next to Little Tommy on the plane when the stranger
turned to the boy and said, "Let's talk. I've heard that flights will go quicker
if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger."
Little Tommy, who had just opened his book, closed it slowly and said to the
stranger, "What would you like to discuss?"
"Oh, I don't know," said the stranger. "How about nuclear power?"
"OK," said Little Tommy. "That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you
a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat grass. The same stuff. Yet
a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse
produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?"
"Jeez," said the stranger. "I have no idea."
"Well, then," said Little Tommy, "How is it that you feel qualified to discuss
nuclear power when you don't know shit?"