Communication

badger

I was at Univ of Texas in graduate school doing parttime work in the Astronomy labs. I led a team that updated computer maps of the northern sky. My team consisted of all types from a wide mix of countries. All smart dudes.

When teaching a newbie on how to set up a high speed computer tape machine, I showed how to thread the machine. Then said," Now before hitting 'Start' take the slack out." Just as I left the room, I heard a big BANG and turned to see tape all over the room.

We cleaned up the mess and rethreaded the machine. "Now, remember to take the slack out before hitting 'Start'." Again, only one step ahead of last time, BANG & tape all over everywhere.

Storming back into the room, " Look, I said you have to take the slack out!"

PhD candidate answered, "Yes, but what is slack?"

Thanks to Coinguy1 for explaining 'multiple offers'.