The Leidenfrost Effect Oh boy, can you have a lot of fun with this. The Leidenfrost Effect is something you've probably already seen in your own kitchen. Have you ever gotten a skillet or pan so hot that when droplets of water hit it they just bead up and dance around before finally evaporating. This is the Leidenfrost Effect. Basically, what happens is that because of the high heat, some of the liquid is vaporized and creates a sort of barrier between the heat source and the liquid. Here's a great way to have fun with this. The next time you are at a party or gathering where cold beverages are being served, find a smoker. Press your thumb or finger tip against the side of your ice cold glass or can (it should be cold enough that it sweats [condenses]. Then take the lit cigarette and hold it by the ends between the thumb and middle or index finger of the same hand. Be sure to put the lit end on the finger or thumb that was pressed against the cold glass. You will be able to hold it for several seconds without discomfort or damage. When it starts to warm up, grab it quickly and watch the look of amazement on people's faces. You do have to be careful not to hold the cigarette for too long, but once you try this once or twice, you'll know just how long to hold it. You can play the patter up on this and tell them how you are immune to pain, or you spent some time with a fire worshipping tribe in New Guinea or something. Use your imagination. It can be most impressing. Act casual, but be aware of the passage of time. Get your point across in just a few seconds and "leisurely" remove the cigarette from your fingers. You can get away with this a number of times at the same gathering if you are suave enough. Just don't be obvious about your fingers and the glass. This shouldn't be any problem since you will probably be drinking something yourself and you have to hold it anyway. Just be careful that your drink doesn't get warm or empty just before you are asked to do this in front of an unbeliever. I have personally made some nice EZ money betting people I could do this at bars, parties etc. Variation Press the same glass against the pad of flesh just below the thumb and you can now put out a cigarette on the "palm" of your hand. Again, just be aware of the passage of time. Extinguish the cigarette quickly but make it LOOK leisurely. Tell people you spent some time in Hawaii where the people understand fire. It's this same effect that enables you to snuff out a candle with your fingers, place a lit match in your mouth without burning ( or a lit cigarette, lit end first). I once won $300.00 in a little bar in New Mexico by betting that I could hold my hand over one of those candle containers with a lit candle until the candle went out. These are the type shaped like a small fish bowl with the candle inside. They are almost round, with a small opening at the top. The theory was that if you sealed the top well enough, the air would burn up and the flame would go out. Everyone else tried unsuccessfully and the pot grew a little more each time, I sat with my hand wrapped around a frosty bottle of Dos Equis. When my turn came, I used every advantage I could think of. My palm was moist and cold, creating an airtight seal, but I also squeezed hard on the top, forcing some air out. Just when I thought I couldn't stand it anymore, the flame grew tiny and died. Three hundred bucks for a few seconds effort is pretty good money. Needless to say, I bought a few rounds for our table. Always be a gracious winner. Also be aware that three grown men burned the hell out of their hands trying to do this. - END FILE -