The Inspiration of Lawnchair Larry
Well, it is Monday, and time to let the mind wander.
A story that fascinates me at the moment is that of Larry Walters, infamously known in history as "Lawnchair Larry". A middle-aged guy in an adventurous mood, he attached helium balloons to a deck chair and took flight over Long Beach, California. He was equipped with beer, a sandwich, and a pellet rifle. After reaching an altitude of 16,000 feet and apparently running out of beer, he decided it was time to land and began to shoot the cluster of balloons. He landed across a power line, blacking out the greater part of Long Beach. He also landed a hefty fine from the FAA and a lifetime of notoriety.
When asked why he would do such a crazy thing, he replied, "A man can't just sit around."
Here are some links, if you would like to know more, and if you would like to give it a try for yourself. Beforehand, please amend your will to include PastorDave Inc.
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Cluster Ballooning
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Mythbusters: Lawn Chair Balloon Video
Let's consider why Larry would do such a thing:
Bored. "Idle hands are the devil's workshop." Isn't that supposed to be in the Bible? No. Well...it should be.
Inebriated. Drunk people do stupid things. It lowers inhibitions. Sometimes such things are funny. Usually, they're just stupid.
Stupid. It seems I keep returning to this word.
Here's another possibility. Larry is a middle-aged guy coming to realize that life is passing swiftly, and he has nothing of significance for which to be remembered. It is the search for significance with which we all struggle. We want to have an impact, and be remembered. A few actually achieve fame and fortune. Most redefine significance to something smaller, more obtainable, but nevertheless noble of purpose. And some tether a lawn chair to a balloon and launch into the stratosphere.
I'm afraid of heights. You can call me a coward, but I think it is a matter of common sense. I do not do skydiving nor bunjeejumping, although I thrill to watch others who are foolhardy.
The local surplus store sells weather balloons. They are huge. We've a plentiful supply of helium at the church, left over from children's activities. And I have this irritating cat that will not go away. He is a vestige from years ago as the kids pet. Now he simply sits around the house doing disgusting things, and disliking me. We have a mutual and abiding dislike. I've been thinking...Take a sturdy cardboard box, make it nice and comfy...attach a couple of balloons...insert kitty... We could call it a science experiment. Naaahh - I would never do that!
Should you see such a device floating your way, in no way would I be liable. And the name of the occupant would possibly be Scooter.
