Re: Prelude to the "grape drive"? [was: NASA Successfully Tests Ion Engine.]

"Mary Shafer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 10:00:43 -0700, "[EMAIL PROTECTED] \(formerly\)"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > Dear Mary Shafer:
> >
> > "Mary Shafer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> > news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > On Fri, 28 Nov 2003 20:33:25 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Henry Spencer)
> > ...
> > > > There are already ion thrusters that use microwaves for ionization,
and
> > > > also some that use lower-frequency radio waves.  No actual thruster
> > that
> > > > I'm aware of uses lasers or X-rays.
> > >
> > > How many use grapes?
> >
> > You probably already know this, and are being funny.
>
> Well, trying to be, at any rate.
>
> > The thread title
> > refers to how a (presumably wet) grape shoots out from between your
fingers
> > when you try to squeeze it.
>
> I think it's a reference to how some grapes, like those native to the
> US, slip out of their skins when squeezed.  At least, I've heard a lot
> about how easy it is to "peel" such grapes that way.  I've never seen
> it, though.  Every grape I've ever eaten had its skin stuck on quite
> tightly.
>
> I'd have said "watermelon seed drive", myself.  You can get some real
> range with them, squeezing them.
>
> Mary

I think its more refering to the effect you can get when you place a very
carefully split grape in a microwave..poof, instant ball of "plasma"

http://c3po.barnesos.net/homepage/lpl/grapeplasma/

Phoenix-D