Roger,

You've got to help me out here in understanding what's the attraction to become a scientist. From the outside looking in it reminds me of something less than a compadres club. More like, let's see if I can beat on my chest more powerfully than the next guy in line. Its nit picking and a highly unproductive and certainly an unsupportive environment. Who in the world finds this fun? You can't get rich, that's for sure.

Other than paid travel to conventions and the occasional planned field trip and a moderate benefit package, why not be a computer software guru where there is a lot more worship for the guy on top?

Petra