posted 02-21-2004 10:47 AM         

stumbled upon a cabin where a potbellied stove was suspended in midair

by wires attached to the ceiling. The psychologist theorized, "The

lonely trapper has elevated his stove so he can curl up underneath and

feel the warmth as if he has returned to the womb."

"No," said the engineer. "By elevating the stove, the man is simply

distributing the heat more evenly in the cabin."

"Actually, lifting up fire has been a religious symbol for centuries,"

explained the theologian.

Just then, the trapper returned, so the hunters asked him to explain.

"Well, I had plenty of wire," the trapper said, "but not much stovepipe."