Re: How not to move a pumpkin !
> List,
> Today I learned how NOT to move a
> pumpkin........
LOL...
Reminded me of the following "true" story
"I am writing in response to your request for additional information on my
accident. I put 'poor planning' as the cause of my accident. You said that I
should explain more fully. I trust that the following details will be
sufficient.
"I am a bricklayer. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the
roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I discovered
that I had about 500 pounds of bricks left over. Rather than carry them down
by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley that was
attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.
"Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel
out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied
the rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of
bricks. You will note in the accident reporting form that I weigh 165
pounds.
"Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my
presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I
proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building.
"In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This
explains the fractured skull and broken collar-bone.
"I continued my rapid ascent until the fingers of my right hand were two
knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately, I had regained my presence of
mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain.
"At the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the
bottom broke out of the barrel. Without the weight of the bricks, the barrel
now weighed approximately 50 pounds.
"I refer you again to my weight of 165 pounds. As you might imagine, I began
a rapid descent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third
floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured
ankles and the lacerations of my legs and lower body.
"The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen additional
injuries. When I fell onto the pile of bricks on the ground, only three
vertebrae were cracked.
"I'm sorry to report, however, that as I lay on the bricks, unable to stand,
watching the empty barrel six stories above, I again lost my presence of
mind and let go of the rope. This accounts for the lacerations and puncture
wounds on my back.
"I hope this is satisfactory for your needs. If I can be of any further
help, please do not hesitate to advise."
Moral: If you don't know when to hang on and when to let go, you're gonna
get hurt out there.
Mike Stephenson
Beaverton, OR
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