On Wed, 23 Jun 1999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> I vote (is anyone counting?) to keep the humor- since its all about
> behavior-!!
>
> On Tue, 22 Jun 1999, Pollak, Edward wrote:
>
> >
> > I would like to request an end to the posting of general humor, Wierd But
> > True stories, etc. <snip>
I see we're well into our semi-annual discussion of what's appropriate
on TIPS. I'm generally a liberal on this issue, but I do support the
idea that the topic should be related, however tenuously, to
psychology or teaching, or both. To give you an example of what I
consider within the limits, contemplate the following, from the HAND
humour list.
Note that I considered changing "Texan" to "local farmer" and the
university to Bishop's, but it just doesn't work that way. And I
apologize to honourary degree recipients everywhere.
-Stephen
A Texan walked into the offices of the president of a small
Texas college and said, "I would like to donate a million
dollars tax free to this institution." The president's eyes opened
wide and he said, "That is a kindly notion, sir. We will be
pleased to accept it."
"There's a condition. I would like to have an honorary degree."
"No problem," said the president. "That can be arranged."
"For my horse," said the Texan.
And now the president got to his feet in shock."For your HORSE?"
"Yes, my mare, Betsy. She's carried me for many years and I
owe her a lot. I would like to have her receive a Tr.D.,
a Doctor of Transportation."
"But we can't give an honorary degree to a horse."
"I'm sorry to hear you say so, because in that case I can't
give you a million dollars."
"Well, wait a minute," said the president, sweating profusely.
"Let me consult the board of trustees." The board was convened in a
hurry and listened to the story in various grades of shock and
disbelief, all except the oldest trustee, whose eyes were closed
and who seemed asleep.
One trustee expressed the general opinion, "We can't give a
horse an honorary degree, no matter how much money is involved."
At this point, the oldest trustee opened his eyes and said,
"For God's sake, take the money and give the horse his degree."
Said the president, "Don't you think that would be a disgrace to us?"
"Of course not," said the oldest trustee. "It would be an honor.
It would be the first time we ever gave a degree to a WHOLE horse."
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Stephen Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470
Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661
Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lennoxville, QC
J1M 1Z7
Canada Department web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy
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