I have an idea for a safety invention. Perhaps Francois, Arny, and Trevor
would like to pool their resources so they can develop it. Lightning kills
thousands of people each year. Lightning occurs most often when it is
raining, or about to rain. This is just when people put up their umbrellas.
Now, everybody knows, the ionization potential of a sharp point is lower
than a flat surface. The point on top of an umbrella attracts lightning. All
those poor, poor people, going around with umbrellas, exposing them to
unnecessary risk takes my breath away. Something must be done about it.

An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by the
National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard, and make
a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be attached to the
handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will discharge static
electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

This should be mandatory. So many people dying unnecessarily. Perhaps the
requirement could be made a rider on the "No Cheater Plug Tweako-Freako Act
of 2006".

"François Yves Le Gal" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:48:02 -0500, "Robert Morein"
wrote:

The point on top of an umbrella attracts lightning.

It doesn't.

Of course it does, Francois. The ionization potential of a curved surface is
inversely proportional to the radius. This is why spark gaps are made of
points.


An umbrella is therefore an electrical device

It is not.

It is.
SNIP yet another rant. Two strikes for Morein, the Bozo Box is next.

Nonsense. Francois, you're having a ****y fit. I never thought you were the
type. Be strong.

"Robert Morein" wrote in message
...
I have an idea for a safety invention. Perhaps Francois, Arny, and Trevor
would like to pool their resources so they can develop it. Lightning kills
thousands of people each year. Lightning occurs most often when it is
raining, or about to rain. This is just when people put up their umbrellas.
Now, everybody knows, the ionization potential of a sharp point is lower
than a flat surface. The point on top of an umbrella attracts lightning.
All those poor, poor people, going around with umbrellas, exposing them to
unnecessary risk takes my breath away. Something must be done about it.

An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by
the National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard, and
make a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be attached
to the handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will discharge
static electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

**Nope. In fact, such an idea would INCREASE any potential (pun intended)
risk.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

Trevor Wilson wrote:
"Robert Morein" wrote in message
...
I have an idea for a safety invention. Perhaps Francois, Arny, and Trevor
would like to pool their resources so they can develop it. Lightning kills
thousands of people each year. Lightning occurs most often when it is
raining, or about to rain. This is just when people put up their umbrellas.
Now, everybody knows, the ionization potential of a sharp point is lower
than a flat surface. The point on top of an umbrella attracts lightning.
All those poor, poor people, going around with umbrellas, exposing them to
unnecessary risk takes my breath away. Something must be done about it.

An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by
the National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard, and
make a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be attached
to the handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will discharge
static electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

**Nope. In fact, such an idea would INCREASE any potential (pun intended)
risk.

I don't know... I think Bob should test his idea...

Bob, There must be a building with a lightning rod on it somewhere in
your neck of the woods...well maybe not as you appear to be pretty far
out in them there woods...but if there is...next time thunder storms
are in the area you hustle over to the lightning rod and get a good
grip on it like its your umbrella handle. Wait for a good solid
lightning strike and report back to us your results. Honestly, I
think you're on to something and testing your idea will bring a sense
of value and worth into your life.

ScottW

"ScottW" wrote in message
oups.com...

Trevor Wilson wrote:
"Robert Morein" wrote in message
...
I have an idea for a safety invention. Perhaps Francois, Arny, and
Trevor
would like to pool their resources so they can develop it. Lightning
kills
thousands of people each year. Lightning occurs most often when it is
raining, or about to rain. This is just when people put up their
umbrellas.
Now, everybody knows, the ionization potential of a sharp point is lower
than a flat surface. The point on top of an umbrella attracts lightning.
All those poor, poor people, going around with umbrellas, exposing them
to
unnecessary risk takes my breath away. Something must be done about it.

An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by
the National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard,
and
make a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be
attached
to the handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will
discharge
static electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

**Nope. In fact, such an idea would INCREASE any potential (pun intended)
risk.

I don't know... I think Bob should test his idea...

Bob, There must be a building with a lightning rod on it somewhere in
your neck of the woods...well maybe not as you appear to be pretty far
out in them there woods...but if there is...next time thunder storms
are in the area you hustle over to the lightning rod and get a good
grip on it like its your umbrella handle. Wait for a good solid
lightning strike and report back to us your results. Honestly, I
think you're on to something and testing your idea will bring a sense
of value and worth into your life.



What can I say?
It's a Philadelphia tradition, like cheesesteaks.



--
Posted via NewsDemon.com - Premium Uncensored Newsgroup Service
-------http://www.NewsDemon.com------
Unlimited Access, Anonymous Accounts, Uncensored Broadband Access

From: François Yves Le Gal
Date: Mon, Mar 20 2006 4:10 pm
Email: François Yves Le Gal

The point on top of an umbrella attracts lightning.

It doesn't.

When there is an imminent thunderstorm, I always hold my 2-iron high
over my head.

Because not even God can hit one of those.

badaboom

Robert Morein wrote:
An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by the
National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard, and make
a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be attached to the
handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will discharge static
electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

Perhaps, but unfortunately the chain would keep wrapping itself around
people's legs and tripping them up, thereby proportionately increasing
risk. We don't want anything pulling people's legs, you see. ;-)

"paul packer" wrote in message
oups.com...

Robert Morein wrote:
An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by
the
National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard, and
make
a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be attached to
the
handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will discharge static
electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

Perhaps, but unfortunately the chain would keep wrapping itself around
people's legs and tripping them up, thereby proportionately increasing
risk. We don't want anything pulling people's legs, you see. ;-)

Paul, I'm perfectly serious. Do I detect a note of irony?

Warning: If irony killed, it would be hazardous to your health.

Robert Morein wrote:
"paul packer" wrote in message
oups.com...

Robert Morein wrote:
An umbrella is therefore an electrical device, and therefore covered by
the
National Electrical Code. In order to remove the lightning hazard, and
make
a code-compliant umbrella, a large conductive chain must be attached to
the
handle, and required to drag along the ground. This will discharge static
electricity, just like the old tanker trucks used to do.

Perhaps, but unfortunately the chain would keep wrapping itself around
people's legs and tripping them up, thereby proportionately increasing
risk. We don't want anything pulling people's legs, you see. ;-)

Paul, I'm perfectly serious. Do I detect a note of irony?

Pull the other one, Robert.