GP Wizard history lesson

[Dare]

 bet you didn't know this!
In  the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many  freighters carried iron cannons.  Those cannons fired  round iron cannon balls.  It was necessary to keep a  good supply near the cannon.  However, how to prevent  them from rolling about the deck?  The best storage  method devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on  top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on  sixteen.  Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be  stacked in a small area right next to the cannon.   There was only one problem...how to prevent the bottom layer  from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution  was a metal plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 round  indentations.
However,  if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would  quickly rust to it.  The solution to the rusting  problem was to make 'Brass Monkeys.' Few landlubbers realize  that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron  when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too  far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the  iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey.   Thus, it was quite literally, 'Cold enough to freeze the  balls off a brass monkey.'  (All this time, you thought  that was an improper expression, didn't  you.)

[Chameleon]

Well, of course I knew that, Dare, but you're not going to believe me now, are you? 

[Dare]

why of course I believe you Cham,I'd
be  shocked  if you did'nt

[johnbull]

209 anyone? Three for the price of 1.

And what about 330 - at my side right now.

[Ian]

Well well well Dare, you never cease to amaze me, go to the top of the class. 

[cosworth151]

That's really cool, Dare!

[raindancer]

hhhmmmmmm......... Good one

[The Stig]

Great dare,trying to bring a bit of culture into the site.
I enjoyed it Stig.........,More than the constant GP topics!From Johnbull..who should post on a GP site where he is never heard and thats why he posts here?
Stig

[johnbull]

Great dare,trying to bring a bit of culture into the site.
I enjoyed it Stig.........,More than the constant GP topics!From Johnbull..who should post on a GP site where he is never heard and thats why he posts here?
Stig

Sorry Stig. Don't understand ther reference to John Bull.

Would you be so kind as to elaborate? Thanks.