>>This whole thread proves my point that programming is The General Practice of Problem Solving. Need ideas for practical problems - ask programmers.
>
>I agree. And those with a math or mechanical background especially. We programmers think both along the lines of proven concepts, as well as outside the boundaries of conventional thinking. Good observation.

I noticed this when we were building our first house - there are some quite original solutions in it. But it really dawned on me when a friend of mine asked help to move the thermoaccumulator heater across the room. These heaters are designed for countries where power is cheaper overnight, so they have some heavy bricks (probably above 300lb) inside which are then heated up, and a fan that blows the air through them when needed. There was no way we could lift it, and the guy went off to his neighbor to borrow a special dolly. While he was out, I just left my brain work on the problem, and noticed the smooth hardwood floor... asked his wife for a couple of pieces of rug, which she did have (they were in the doors, since it was an old house with foot thick walls). We just inserted them under, and slid the thing over the room.

And they think the nerds have no practical use :).