OT: Natasha Richardson dies at 45 after ski accident

[Arkansas]

Politics are why there ISN'T a law for that yet. Because of just what you said "civil liberties." Where are the rights for the other people in the car who maybe don't want to be injured or killed by your body because you choose not to wear one? Do you know how physics works? I mean REALLY??? You will argue this? A body has a strong enough impact without a seatbelt to go through a WINDSHEILD and you think that same body can't kill another human being?? PLEASE!! I FORCE everyone to wear seatbelts in my car or they don't ride with me. It's too bad so many people don't realize the risk they are to others by making that dumb choice for themselves just because it's not a "law" and the "civil liberties" lawyers have done such a great job fighting it

We know a family who ignored those laws. They didnt' have their sons seatbelted and neither was dad. Their son was in the back seat and his body impact was so strong he hit his dad's head (the driver) with his mouth and his teeth came out and were IMBEDDED in his dad's head. Their other son was thrown from the car, and dad ended up in the end under his dashboard and had serious injuries. They were all airlifted and miraculously lived after many many months of physical therapy and surgery. They were LUCKY. Their mother was not in the car and in one night she thought she lost her whole family. It was NOT a crash that would have had that kind of injury had they NOT ignored the LAW. And dad is lucky that was a little boy or he may have had a broken neck instead of teeth in his head. The other driver who hit them running a red light while they were turning, had a seatbelt on no injuries. Like I said, if people want to die, like those without motorcycle helmets, LET THEM. But when you start involving other lives because of your poor choices is where I have a problem. And this is just ONE story of a family I know personally. Police see these accidents everyday. And DUH, you can die in a crash with a seatbelt, but your chances are so much greater without it, who with half a brain would make the choice not to wear one? I don't get it.

An honestly, most people don't care that they have reversed the helmet law in a lot of states for motorcycles. You are a single driver and if you don't care what will happen to your head if it hits the ground even at a slight impact, then go for it! That doesn't affect OTHER lives. It's the same with the smoking laws. I am all for them because it affects OTHER lives. Everyone else's "civil liberties" should count for something.

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

I applaud your passion...and your safety.


later~

[StevePerryHair]

Politics are why there ISN'T a law for that yet. Because of just what you said "civil liberties." Where are the rights for the other people in the car who maybe don't want to be injured or killed by your body because you choose not to wear one? Do you know how physics works? I mean REALLY??? You will argue this? A body has a strong enough impact without a seatbelt to go through a WINDSHEILD and you think that same body can't kill another human being?? PLEASE!! I FORCE everyone to wear seatbelts in my car or they don't ride with me. It's too bad so many people don't realize the risk they are to others by making that dumb choice for themselves just because it's not a "law" and the "civil liberties" lawyers have done such a great job fighting it

We know a family who ignored those laws. They didnt' have their sons seatbelted and neither was dad. Their son was in the back seat and his body impact was so strong he hit his dad's head (the driver) with his mouth and his teeth came out and were IMBEDDED in his dad's head. Their other son was thrown from the car, and dad ended up in the end under his dashboard and had serious injuries. They were all airlifted and miraculously lived after many many months of physical therapy and surgery. They were LUCKY. Their mother was not in the car and in one night she thought she lost her whole family. It was NOT a crash that would have had that kind of injury had they NOT ignored the LAW. And dad is lucky that was a little boy or he may have had a broken neck instead of teeth in his head. The other driver who hit them running a red light while they were turning, had a seatbelt on no injuries. Like I said, if people want to die, like those without motorcycle helmets, LET THEM. But when you start involving other lives because of your poor choices is where I have a problem. And this is just ONE story of a family I know personally. Police see these accidents everyday. And DUH, you can die in a crash with a seatbelt, but your chances are so much greater without it, who with half a brain would make the choice not to wear one? I don't get it.

An honestly, most people don't care that they have reversed the helmet law in a lot of states for motorcycles. You are a single driver and if you don't care what will happen to your head if it hits the ground even at a slight impact, then go for it! That doesn't affect OTHER lives. It's the same with the smoking laws. I am all for them because it affects OTHER lives. Everyone else's "civil liberties" should count for something.

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

I applaud your passion...and your safety.


later~

No, but the DEFINITELY need seatbelts!

[bluejeangirl76]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

[madsplash]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

That's my favorite post of yours ever. And I'm not just saying that because I'm 6'3, 250.

[Arkansas]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

Well, if a watermelon and an orange could be hurled with equal velocity, then the larger heavier item would be more destructive. However, the larger heavier item might decelerate quicker due to air resistance and gravity, and thus not collide with the theorized force expected. Hhmm.

But what do I know? I'm no physicist...but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

Speaking of weight ratio & air speed velocity...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzcLQRXW6B0


later~

[bluejeangirl76]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

Well, if a watermelon and an orange could be hurled with equal velocity, then the larger heavier item would be more destructive. However, the larger heavier item might decelerate quicker due to air resistance and gravity, and thus not collide with the theorized force expected. Hhmm.

This is my presumption. Now, who is going to volunteer to stand 100 feet from me so I can test this?

[StevePerryHair]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

Well, if a watermelon and an orange could be hurled with equal velocity, then the larger heavier item would be more destructive. However, the larger heavier item might decelerate quicker due to air resistance and gravity, and thus not collide with the theorized force expected. Hhmm.

This is my presumption. Now, who is going to volunteer to stand 100 feet from me so I can test this?

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft Unless you will be using a catapult, then nevermind

[bluejeangirl76]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

Well, if a watermelon and an orange could be hurled with equal velocity, then the larger heavier item would be more destructive. However, the larger heavier item might decelerate quicker due to air resistance and gravity, and thus not collide with the theorized force expected. Hhmm.

This is my presumption. Now, who is going to volunteer to stand 100 feet from me so I can test this?

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft :P Unless you will be using a catapult, then nevermind

I don't think I could throw a watermelon TEN feet, but I'm pretty sure I could whip that orange!!
Hence my hypothesis.

[jrnyman28]

...they SHOULD BE, but people like you fight those laws. ...

They should be? I don't know of any law telling us that back seat passengers should be restrained. I'd bet though that if there were enough conclusive studies on this & enough money-slinging lobby'rs, then the politicians & insurance companies would be seaking further control of all drivers/vehicles.

Btw, 'people like you' don't fight any laws. We just ignore them because they infringe on our civil liberties. But if you think 'people like you' should control us, then 'people like you' should be fighting the existing laws even harder...to control us further. Keep clamping down because 'people like you' feel the need to tell everyone how to live. Soon, cars/vehicles will be outlawed because those things are the very source of our deaths. Forget seatbelts. Just get rid of the cars. Problem solved, no?



later~

Also solves our energy crisis. Good job!!

[Rhiannon]

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft

Why waste a good watermelon, seriously?

[Jana]

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft

Why waste a good watermelon, seriously?

A true southerner.

[jrnyman28]

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft

Why waste a good watermelon, seriously?

No kidding! Cut a hole in it and jam a bottle of 151 in, let it soak, cut it up and let's GO!!

[Rhiannon]

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft

Why waste a good watermelon, seriously?

No kidding! Cut a hole in it and jam a bottle of 151 in, let it soak, cut it up and let's GO!!

Now you're talking my language!!

...Jana, yes ma'am.

[Jana]

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft

Why waste a good watermelon, seriously?

No kidding! Cut a hole in it and jam a bottle of 151 in, let it soak, cut it up and let's GO!!

Now you're talking my language!!

...Jana, yes ma'am.

We used to have an ongoing debate in my household growing up. My father ate watermelon with salt on it, and the rest of us didn't. My father would insist that's how you eat watermelon and that I wasn't a true native Floridian. Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

[Don]

I would cause I dont' think you could throw a watermelon 100 ft

Why waste a good watermelon, seriously?

No kidding! Cut a hole in it and jam a bottle of 151 in, let it soak, cut it up and let's GO!!

Now you're talking my language!!

...Jana, yes ma'am.

We used to have an ongoing debate in my household growing up. My father ate watermelon with salt on it, and the rest of us didn't. My father would insist that's how you eat watermelon and that I wasn't a true native Floridian. Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

That's how i felt the first time I saw peanutbutter on apple slices, here in Cali.

[Rhiannon]

We used to have an ongoing debate in my household growing up. My father and brother ate watermelon with salt on it, and the rest didn't. My father would insist that's how you eat watermelon and that I wasn't a true native Floridian. Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

I've never seen a cut-up watermelon without a salt shaker nearby... that's the way you're supposed to eat it. I don't like it at all. Watermelon is fine as/is.

[bluejeangirl76]

Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

That's the best way to eat it! Mah daddy ate it that way, so I grew up doing the same.

[Jubilee]

We used to have an ongoing debate in my household growing up. My father and brother ate watermelon with salt on it, and the rest didn't. My father would insist that's how you eat watermelon and that I wasn't a true native Floridian. Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

I've never seen a cut-up watermelon without a salt shaker nearby... that's the way you're supposed to eat it. I don't like it at all. Watermelon is fine as/is.

My mom's a Southerner too. Apparently, that's how you eat watermelon - with salt. A bit like ruining a perfectly good steak with Heinz Steak Sauce. Might be fine for some, but I think I'll pass...

[jrnyman28]

My wife has to have the salt...not me.

Speaking of odd combos, try jalapeno's with peanut butter. The thought of it nearly turned my stomach, and then I tried it. Amazing! Cut the peppers in half longwise, clean out the seeds and fill like celery.

[StevePerryHair]

Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

That's the best way to eat it! Mah daddy ate it that way, so I grew up doing the same.

And you were always a northern girl, right? I thought I remember people doing that in PA too, but I prefer it tasting sweet I think.

So we went from seatbelts, to throwing watermelons, to eating watermelons!! I love this board I want to try the thing where you put alcohol in it though

[Jana]

Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

That's the best way to eat it! Mah daddy ate it that way, so I grew up doing the same.

And you were always a northern girl, right? I thought I remember people doing that in PA too, but I prefer it tasting sweet I think.

So we went from seatbelts, to throwing watermelons, to eating watermelons!! I love this board I want to try the thing where you put alcohol in it though

My father INSISTED salt brought out the sweetness. He couldn't accept we wouldn't use salt. I miss those arguments over salt on the watermelon. They lasted until the day he died at every family get-together, barbecue, etc, in the summer. He was a stubborn man, but loveable.

[Rhiannon]

I want to try the thing where you put alcohol in it though

Try moonshine for a fuller, longer-lasting effect.

[bluejeangirl76]

Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

That's the best way to eat it! Mah daddy ate it that way, so I grew up doing the same.

And you were always a northern girl, right? I thought I remember people doing that in PA too, but I prefer it tasting sweet I think.

Yep, home-grown in Chicaaaah-go.
Is the salted watermelon not a northern thing? I have no idea. I've just always loved it.
Actually, it's about the only thing I will purposely add salt to.

[StevePerryHair]

Craziest thing I've ever heard of, salt on watermelon.

That's the best way to eat it! Mah daddy ate it that way, so I grew up doing the same.

And you were always a northern girl, right? I thought I remember people doing that in PA too, but I prefer it tasting sweet I think.

Yep, home-grown in Chicaaaah-go.
Is the salted watermelon not a northern thing? I have no idea. I've just always loved it.
Actually, it's about the only thing I will purposely add salt to.

I guess it's an all over the US thing it sounds like I know people add salt to corn on the cob and I have to have a salt shaker when I eat a hard boiled egg.

[Shadowsong]

Not to be maudlin, but horseback riding can be very dangerous.
Really thinking about this & come to realize we live with risk everyday when we drive our cars, cross the street, get on a airplane or just just eat & breathe. So we have to accept the risk for living the life we want to live.

I remembered when I went horsebackriding in my teens as a beginner.
No one really wore helmets & I never even thought of it.
Well, one time I got thrown off the horse but I held on to the reins or something & slide down his neck & landed on the ground.
I remember lying on the ground thinking I was in bed & the sand my pillow...

Luckily the horse did not step on me & after a few minutes I came too.
Remember going home with my Mom & luckily all I had was some aches & bruising.

I would consider helmets for horseback riding even more important than skiing
as you have a huge spirited powerful animal under you & they can get spooked & out of control at the slightest provocation.



Sadly George Reeves was wearing a helmet but that only protects the brain & he landed on his head & broke his neck.

So if you want to ski down a mountain or jump horses I guess you just have to take the risk.

So are our lives mapped out or are we just creatures living between the seconds of chance???

Hmmmmm I guess all we can do is try to live life to the fullest & just be thankful for every day...

Guess we have to try to live our lives & hope for the best as there is life & then it's gone.

[Shadowsong]

Got to have salt on a hard boiled egg & popcorn
A really fresh sweet corn on the cob I can devore as is.
Nope never even thought of salting watermelon or ever have seen it.
I'm more of a salty hot & sour poison rather than a sweet tooth.
In fact I don''t like things too sweet.

[Michigan Girl]

Sadly George Reeves was wearing a helmet but that only protects the brain & he landed on his head & broke his neck.

So if you want to ski down a mountain or jump horses I guess you just have to take the risk.

So are our lives mapped out or are we just creatures living between the seconds of chance???

Hmmmmm I guess all we can do is try to live life to the fullest & just be thankful for every day...

Guess we have to try to live our lives & hope for the best as there is life & then it's gone.

Shadow, are you referring to Christopher Reeve?!?!? George shot himself in the head,
albeit some folks believe otherwise!!

[Shadowsong]

Oooops!

Don't forget I had head trauma this past August...
My feet fell 10 feet but my head fell 15 feet.

[SherriBerry]

What about fat people? Should we limit their caloric intake? I mean, acceleration-momentum-force-mass, et al, implies that larger people make more deadly projectiles, no?

Wouldn't smaller skinnier people fly farther/faster though, therefore having a harder impact?
Let's try this. Throw a watermelon and an orange toward someone standing 100 feet away.

I believe this to mean all these skinny little walking eating disorders I see at the malls are the real hazards.

Well, if a watermelon and an orange could be hurled with equal velocity, then the larger heavier item would be more destructive. However, the larger heavier item might decelerate quicker due to air resistance and gravity, and thus not collide with the theorized force expected. Hhmm.

But what do I know? I'm no physicist...but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.


Speaking of weight ratio & air speed velocity...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzcLQRXW6B0


later~

Force = mass x acceleration; the greater the mass, the greater the force of impact inside the vehicle. If objects are falling through the air, acceleration is a constant regardless of mass (9.8m/sec^2) and there isn't enough difference in composition between two people for air resistance to factor significantly - you aren't comparing a feather to a rock! It can take surprisingly little force to the head to cause catastrophic injury so if you suddenly find yourself flying through the air and didn't mean to be, no matter what your mass happens to be you are in trouble. If there was enough force of impact to launch an 80lb waif into the back of your head, you are in trouble. I'm not pulling out my old physics textbooks on projectiles and collision theory to explain that - it's common sense.

In Canada, helmet laws and seatbelt laws are mandatory and enforced - we have a soft spot for people who have no common sense, but most people understand that helmets and seatbelts save lives and value the quality of their own enough to wear them voluntarily. And after this accident, many more will be wearing helmets while skiing because it is the smart thing to do. It isn't simply a matter of living your own life: if you are permanently disabled or brain damaged in an accident, who is going to pay the cost of your treatment for the rest of your life and take care of you - your family? What about others that you might disable or kill? People should stop whining about their civil liberties and consider the potential impact of their actions on others.

[SherriBerry]

Oooops!

Don't forget I had head trauma this past August...
My feet fell 10 feet but my head fell 15 feet.

You are very lucky and I'm so glad you are okay - someone was looking out for you! When I was little, one of my aunts decided to try out her son's motorcycle. She was hardly moving, but lost control and crashed into a fence without a helmet. I don't remember her very well before the accident, but she spent the rest of her life (about 25 years) paralyzed from the neck down and confined to a bed in a care facility. She suffered greatly and it breaks my heart to see that happen.