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2006 November Slush
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What Does a Burner Do?
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Darwin Awards
2006 Slush Pile

This item was recently submitted by a reader.
Should I include it in the archive?
Vote to tell me what *you* think!

What Does a Burner Do?

2006 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

I consider myself to be a smart person who often does slightly stupid things, and occasionally does really, really stupid things. For example, one day I was at home making myself a fried egg. I was using an electric stove, so I switched on the burner and put a small pan on it while I waited for it to heat up. When I plonked the (cast-iron) pan down on the heating element, it knocked the poorly secured burner out of alignment. This was when I did one of those aforementioned really, really stupid things. I somehow decided the following:

A. The burner was on for about thirty seconds. (and it was!). B. The burner, after only thirty seconds, could not possibly be hot. C. To avoid wasting time by using a spatula or a potholder, I could safely push the heating element back into position with my bare hand.

I still have a burn scar on my middle finger of my right hand. Cheers.

Submitted on 11/15/2006

Submitted by: Gabriel Jacobs
Reference: Personal Account

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

Great? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Awful?
Love it! Hate it!
>> Moderator Scores <<

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Too Common
Well Gabriel, at least you used your HAND to push back the element, otherwsie you may been been an Honorable Mention contender! Thanks for your submission.

James said:
Neutral: Personal Account
I don't know, Graham...I haven't heard too many stories of folks doing this! Whereas this is a PA, there's a bit more rope to play with, and I think the story is rather funny in a simple way! Why not share it with the readers!?! Cheers, Gabriel, I liked this one!

Jack said:
Neutral: Personal Account
I have to go with James on this. It is an amusing story. Thanks, Gabriel.

Chip said:
Neutral: Personal Account
I like the theory that since it had only been on for 30 seconds it could not possibly be hot! Good thing the metal did not stick to the flesh or you would have had a much more serious lesson in touching hot metal. Good story. Thanks for submitting it.

Shadow said:
Neutral: Personal Account
A personal account of a sober person (I think) doing something not so bright.

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